Competition from Neighboring Countries Impacts Local Agricultural Markets
Kyrgyz farmers are currently facing significant difficulties in selling their produce, specifically watermelons, melons, and tomatoes, due to increased competition from imports from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. This issue has been highlighted during a recent meeting of the Committee on Agricultural Policy, Water Resources, Ecology, and Regional Development on June 24, 2024.
Deputy Zamirbek Mamasadykov reported that approximately 15 trucks filled with watermelons and melons are currently stalled in the Aksy District, unable to find buyers. This situation has led to a considerable drop in prices, causing financial distress for local farmers who have appealed to the government for assistance.
In the Osh region, farmers have also expressed dissatisfaction due to plummeting tomato prices, a direct result of the large influx of vegetables from neighboring countries. Mamasadykov pointed out that Kyrgyz farmers are unable to compete with the cheaper produce from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, which benefit from different growing conditions and climates that allow for lower production costs.
To address these challenges, Deputy Balbak Tulobaev proposed a ban on the import of vegetables, fruits, and berries from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. He stressed that such a measure is crucial to support local farmers struggling to sell their produce amidst the stiff competition. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Kubat Kuseinov assured that this issue would be considered seriously by the government.
