Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan
Country area: 199 949 km2
Agricultural land: 10.598 million ha, including:
- Forest area: 1.254 million ha
- Other: 8.144 million ha
Kyrgyzstan is undergoing a transformative shift towards sustainable agriculture, driven by national policies, international cooperation and a commitment to environmental resilience. By modernizing its agrifood systems, the country aims to enhance food security, optimize resource use and mitigate environmental impacts. This transition aligns with global sustainability goals and represents the country’s proactive response to climate change and natural resource management challenges.
At the core of these efforts is the draft Green Economy Programme (2025–2029), currently under development by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce. This strategy builds upon previous initiatives, such as the Green Economy Programme (2019–2023), which laid the foundation for sustainable agriculture, resource efficiency and climate adaptation. Additionally, the National Development Strategy (2018–2040) highlights green agriculture as a priority for economic and environmental progress.
The 2024–2028 Kyrgyzstan Green Agriculture Strategy further reinforces this commitment by promoting organic farming, climate-smart agriculture and sustainable water and land management. These efforts are backed by international partnerships with organizations providing technical and financial support for green agriculture projects, climate resilience and rural development, including collaboration with FAO, the Asian Development Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), European Union, and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
Summary of priority directions for Green Agriculture transition in Kyrgyzstan
Sustainable land and water management: Modern irrigation, soil conservation and pasture management
Green finance and investment: Increasing access to low-interest loans, subsidies and private-sector investments in sustainable agriculture
Organic and climate-smart agriculture: Expanding organic farming, climate-adaptive practices and sustainable livestock breeding
Renewable energy in agriculture: Promoting solar-powered irrigation, biogas and energy-efficient storage solutions
Climate resilience and adaptation: Enhancing disaster preparedness, agroforestry and carbon sequestration efforts
Market development and farmer training: Strengthening organic certification, value chains and training programmes for green farming techniques
Green transformation in Kyrgyzstan: an overview
The Green Economy Initiative in Kyrgyzstan is a policy dialogue platform supported by FAO, UNDP, the European Union and the World Bank to advance green agriculture and sustainable development. While not an official policy, it provides strategic guidance, funding mechanisms and capacity-building support in collaboration with the Kyrgyz government.
Key initiatives include consultations on the draft Green Economy Programme (2025–2029) to engage stakeholders in shaping future policies, discussions on climate-smart agriculture and green finance (September 2024) to address challenges in scaling sustainable farming and improving financial access, and investment priorities for water and land resource management (January 2025), focusing on irrigation efficiency, soil conservation and drought resilience.
Policies supporting and promoting green agriculture practices in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan has created legislative and regulatory frameworks for the further transformation of agrifood systems towards greening:
Concept for Achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050: Promotes climate-smart agriculture, afforestation and emissions reduction in farming
National Adaptation Plan (NAP): Guides climate resilience strategies in agriculture, water management and disaster risk reduction
Law on Organic Production (2023): Establishes regulations for organic farming, certification and government support
Decree on Agro-Industrial Complex Development (2024): Supports green biotechnologies, organic certification and sustainable water management
Green Economy Programme (2019–2023) and Draft Green Economy Programme (2025–2029): Focuses on resource efficiency, organic farming and low-carbon development
National Development Strategy (2018–2040): Prioritizes sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation and eco-friendly farming practices
Green Practices
| Title | Aravan Agroservice Cooperative: Advancing Integrated Crop and Livestock Farming in Kyrgyzstan |
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| Introduction | Aravan Agroservice is a dynamic agricultural cooperative located in the Aravan District of Kyrgyzstan. Combining crop production with livestock farming, the cooperative plays a vital role in strengthening the region’s agricultural economy, promoting sustainable practices, and enhancing food security for rural households. |
| Start date |
| Title | Beren Agricultural Cooperative: Advancing Sustainable Agriculture in Talas Region, Kyrgyzstan |
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| Introduction | The Beren Agricultural Cooperative is a leading example of sustainable agriculture and rural enterprise in the Talas Region of Kyrgyzstan. Founded to support smallholder farmers, the cooperative focuses on the cultivation, processing, and export of organic beans, contributing significantly to the region’s agricultural development and the livelihoods of local communities. |
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| Title | Strengthening walnut value chains: the case of “Ishker KG” cooperative in Kyrgyzstan |
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| Introduction | The “Ishker KG” cooperative, based in Kyrgyzstan, unites 318 farmers involved in the collection and processing of local nuts, primarily Arslanbop walnuts. |
| Start date |
| Title | Biological Control Agents for Crop Protection and Sustainability of Agro-Ecosystems in Kyrgyzstan |
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| Introduction | The research Identification and characterization of native BCAs suitable for local agricultural conditions. Assessment of the efficacy of these agents against prevalent crop pests and diseases. Integration of BCAs into existing farming practices to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides.aims to explore the development and application of biological control agents (BCAs) to enhance crop protection and promote the sustainability of agro-ecosystems in Kyrgyzstan. |
| Start date |
| Title | Streptomyces Bio-Products Against Apple and Pear Diseases in Organic Orchards in Kyrgyzstan |
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| Introduction | The study by Doolotkeldieva T.D. (2018) investigates the use of Streptomyces bio-products as sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides for managing diseases in organic apple and pear orchards. The research highlights the potential of these biocontrol agents in reducing disease incidence, thereby supporting organic farming practices and promoting environmental health. |
| Start date |
| Title | Artificial glaciers help Kyrgyzstan meet water needs |
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| Introduction | As a high-altitude country, Kyrgyzstan has been experiencing the effects of climate change earlier and more acutely than most. |
| Start date | 26/03/2024 |
News
Kyrgyzstan Joins the Green Agriculture Initiative as a Pilot Country
28/02/2025
Kyrgyzstan strives for a sustainable and climate-resilient future
20/02/2025
Artificial glacier helps mountain village in Kyrgyzstan meet water needs
06/05/2024
Events
24/2
2025
National Workshop in Kyrgyzstan
Hybrid Event, 24/02/2025
As part of these ongoing efforts, the FAO regional project TCP/RER/3906 - “Scaling-Up Green Agriculture in Europe and Central Asia” - is being implemented in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Armenia, with Kyrgyzstan recently joining. The project aims to enhance green agriculture knowledge-sharing, build local capacities, and strengthen scientific co...
Publications
Promoting bioeconomy through agriculture practice in Eastern Europe and Central Asia
31/03/2025
This report, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), explores the promotion of bioeconomy through sustainable agricultural practices in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Categories: Bioeconomy