Kyrgyzstan's Agriculture Minister: Farmers Sometimes Left Alone With Problems

Kyrgyzstan's agricultural sector, a cornerstone of our nation's economy and food security, is facing significant scrutiny, and as Minister Erlist Akunbekov candidly admits, much of this criticism is justified. Our ministry oversees a vast and complex web of responsibilities, stretching from the vital provision of irrigation water and quality seeds to the intricacies of livestock management, meat and milk production, and the crucial processing and export of agricultural goods. This breadth is both our strength and our challenge.

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We must honestly admit that there is a lot of criticism in society towards agriculture, and there are reasons for this. This is a large ministry that covers many directions and issues.

The core of the issue, as highlighted by Minister Akunbekov, lies in balancing the needs of our farmers with the economic realities faced by our citizens. Farmers, understandably, seek higher prices for their produce to ensure profitability and sustain their livelihoods – a sector that supports over half a million individuals. However, we must also consider the urban population, many of whom have modest incomes and would struggle with significant price increases. This delicate equilibrium is a constant balancing act, and it's clear we haven't always found the right solution.

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There are cases when a farmer is left alone with his problems.

Furthermore, the minister's acknowledgment that our local representatives are not always proactive enough in addressing farmers' on-the-ground issues is a serious concern. While we have staff in the districts, they must be more visible, checking on irrigation, assisting with livestock health, and generally supporting our agricultural producers. The transition from the Soviet era, where the state managed nearly everything, to today's predominantly private agricultural landscape presents unique hurdles. While privatization has brought its own benefits, it also means the state's role in direct support and intervention has shifted, sometimes leaving farmers feeling isolated.

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If we support the peasants and allow them to sell expensively, then people with incomes of 25–30 thousand soms cannot withstand this. And if we lower prices, then more than 500,000 farmers will ask: how can we earn money then?

From our perspective here in Kyrgyzstan, the success of our agricultural sector is not just an economic issue; it's a matter of national resilience and self-sufficiency. While international coverage might focus on trade figures or global market trends, for us, it's about ensuring our people are fed, our rural communities thrive, and our farmers can earn a dignified living. The challenges are real, but so is our commitment to finding sustainable solutions that benefit both the producers and the consumers within our country.

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Compared to the Soviet Union, the entire economy has now moved into private ownership.