Why does Kyrgyzstan need Chinese potatoes?

In recent years, potatoes in Kyrgyzstan have remained in oversupply, with more than one million tons harvested annually, while domestic consumption is lower. However, since the end of 2025, there have been reports that the market has been flooded with Chinese potatoes, which has raised concerns among the local population. Naturally, this raises the question of where the locally produced potatoes have gone.

In recent years, Kyrgyzstan has maintained a high level of potato self-sufficiency, emphasized Uran Chekirbaev, Head of the Food Security Department of the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry, in a conversation with the editorial office of Akchabar.

According to him, even with a decline in harvest, production covers domestic demand with a surplus. For example, in 2022, Kyrgyzstan met 192% of its potato needs, while in 2025 self-sufficiency decreased to 167%, but potatoes are still sufficient.

However, a shortage in the domestic market emerged in spring 2025. This was influenced by several factors.

Firstly, in 2024, floods occurred in Kazakhstan and Russia, damaging cultivated areas. Amid these developments, demand for Kyrgyz potatoes increased.

“When the water recedes, the soil remains muddy for some time and is not suitable for growing potatoes. Therefore, this demand for our potatoes emerged,” — said Uran Chekirbaev.

Secondly, despite formal self-sufficiency, a local shortage emerged in spring, as significant volumes were exported. During this period, prices in local markets reached 62–70 KGS per kilogram.

To stabilize the situation, imports were authorized. In 2025, around 28 thousand tons of potatoes were imported, of which 23 thousand tons came from China.

“Spring 2025 was the most profitable period for farmers. They sold potatoes at 60–70 KGS per kilogram. In autumn, prices dropped to around 30 KGS, but this was not due to imported potatoes; it is an annual trend,” — said the Head of the Food Security Department.

He added that after spring 2025 there was no need for imported Chinese potatoes, and that what appeared on market shelves was either smuggled goods or remaining stocks from the spring season.

“The demand for locally produced potatoes is always higher, even when imported potatoes are available. This is especially true for late varieties that have a longer shelf life, including At-Bashy potatoes. As a consumer, I have encountered cases where imported potatoes are being passed off as At-Bashy potatoes. However, they are inferior in terms of taste quality,” — noted Uran Chekirbaev.

The difference in taste may be due to improper cultivation practices or the use of agrochemicals. Meanwhile, local farmers mainly use imported elite seed varieties, primarily from the Netherlands. Kyrgyzstan also has a developed domestic seed production base, and part of the produce is exported, including to Uzbekistan, especially from the southern regions.

In 2026, February and March were particularly rainy, which is expected to have a positive effect on the soil for potato cultivation. If the coming months pass without extreme rainfall, the 2026 potato harvest is expected to be high.

Last spring, the price of potatoes reached 60 KGS, while currently it remains at around 42–43 KGS.

“With a good harvest, prices may drop to 30–35 KGS, while with a weaker harvest they may remain around 40 KGS. Wholesale prices, meanwhile, could range between 25–35 KGS,” — the expert said.

In this case, the decline would be linked to the recovery of production in neighboring countries. If they have a good harvest, demand for Kyrgyz potatoes will decrease, which would put downward pressure on domestic prices.

At the same time, potato prices remain relatively stable due to overall inflation and changes in consumer behavior. In the context of general price increases, the population tends to prioritize basic food products, such as potatoes.