Flagship project
Connecting Kyrgyz farmers to finance, markets and sustainable value chains
Helping farmers and agri-food businesses in Kyrgyzstan access finance, improve production practices and become part of more competitive, sustainable value chains.
The challenge
Kyrgyz farmers and agri-food businesses produce quality goods, but many struggle to reach markets, meet international standards and earn stable incomes. Outdated farming methods, limited access to modern technology, fragmented value chains and a shortage of affordable long-term finance hold the sector back. Smallholder farmers are often disconnected from buyers, while businesses need support to improve quality, processing and distribution.
Our goal
Strengthening selected agricultural value chains across Kyrgyzstan so farmers and agri-food businesses can produce higher-quality, more competitive products in a sustainable way. The focus is on better farming and post-harvest practices, improved processing and distribution, access to long-term finance and stronger links between producers, buyers, laboratories and financial institutions.
Our approach
We work across the full value chain – from farm production to processing, quality testing and finance. Farmers receive practical training in modern agricultural and post-harvest practices, while businesses are supported to meet international food safety and quality standards. Selected laboratories receive equipment, training and facility upgrades, helping producers prove the quality of their products. At the same time, long-term credit is channelled through partner banks, enabling farmers, cooperatives and MSMEs to invest in better technologies and grow their businesses.
Impact in numbers
Tenders have been launched for laboratory equipment, reference materials and rehabilitation works. These results are helping farmers adopt better practices, businesses meet higher standards and financial institutions invest more confidently in agriculture.
Key highlights
- Supporting MSMEs to access long-term finance for modern agri-food machinery and equipment
- Equipping local financial institutions to continue lending to agricultural businesses beyond the project lifetime
- Training farmers in better agricultural practices, post-harvest handling and sustainable production methods
- Helping food businesses work towards international certifications such as HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, GLOBALG.A.P. and EU Organic
- Strengthening state laboratories with new equipment, upgraded facilities and technical know-how
- Connecting smallholder farmers to commercial value chains through more standardised production and improved quality
- Promoting environmentally sustainable farming practices, including efficient water use, soil protection and climate-resilient technologies
Voices from the field
At the moment, our farmers are constantly facing sales problems as this situation is only getting worse every year. The global markets require high standards and the Kyrgyz companies need to meet them. For this purpose, it is very important to develop a value chain and projects like this are very good to give a necessary tool: knowledge, technology, financial resources.
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That is where our Agro Value Chain Project steps in, providing practical answers and offering intensive agro-technology training, equipping farmers with the skills to navigate these challenges successfully and fostering collaboration among farmers. We guide you in sustainable farming practices with emphasis on soil health, water management, and crop rotation – ensuring your fields thrive not just for today but for generations to come.
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Thanks to the project's support and resources, I was able to significantly increase crop yields despite the harsh climate of the Chong-Alay District. Implementing new approaches and modern equipment brought great results – we harvested a rich, high-quality crop in Zhar-Bashy village. I am deeply grateful to the project for its contribution to supporting local farmers!
Success story
Growing "Super Elite": Altynbek's potato farming story
For several years, Altynbek Aibashov, a young entrepreneur from Acha-Kayindy village in Naryn region, has grown potatoes and sold seeds. In 2023, he founded the Kurmanbek Ata agricultural cooperative, starting with a small plot of land. Soon after, the cooperative received 25 hectares from the At-Bashy Development Fund, creating the opportunity to expand.
To test whether high-yield Dutch seed potatoes could grow in Naryn's climate, the cooperative planted "Super Elite" varieties and introduced modern drip irrigation. The results were impressive: on a 0.2-hectare test plot, the cooperative harvested around 40 tonnes per hectare.
With support from the project and its partners, local and international experts provided hands-on advice on irrigation, plant care and cultivation techniques.
His story shows how finance, technology and practical expertise can help young farmers build more productive and competitive businesses.
Growing the 'Super Elite' variety is quite challenging. Experts came to train us and gave us comprehensive instructions. These lessons were a great motivation for us. Our interest in potato cultivation has increased even more.
Altynbek Aibashov · Founder, Kurmanbek Ata agricultural cooperative · Naryn region
Read his whole story hereSpecial features
Letter of appreciation
Letter of appreciation from the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic for the active participation in the "AgroTechExpo-2024" exhibition.
In the media
Kyrgyz media have covered the project's launch, stakeholder events, certification work and participation in agricultural exhibitions.
Impressions
