In 2025, Kyrgyzstan will hold a nationwide agricultural census, for which the National Statistical Committee is actively preparing. To work out the mechanisms of the census, the National Statistical Committee has successfully completed pilot studies in Ysyk-Ata district of Chui oblast and Aravan district of Osh oblast. This exercise will be an important step for collecting accurate data on the state of agriculture in the country.

The preparation of the census is supported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). This organisation has been helping Kyrgyzstan to introduce modern approaches in agrostatistics for many years. For example, in 2013-2014, with the help of FAO, a system of electronic data collection was introduced, and in 2017, methodologies for analysing the balance of staple foods were developed. Co-operation with FAO has also significantly improved the calculation of agriculture-related Sustainable Development Goal indicators.

The Cabinet of Ministers has allocated KGS 278 million for the census, of which 87.8% will go to pay the labour of 6,800 census enumerators. However, additional funding is required for the full implementation of the project. In this regard, FAO is ready to provide Kyrgyzstan with $30,000 to expand the work next year.

The census will provide a more accurate assessment of smallholder productivity, farmers' incomes and the food loss index. It will also help generate objective data on women's and men's land rights, which is important for adhering to the principles of sustainable development. This data will form the basis for informed decisions in supporting agriculture.

Baktybek Kudaibergenov, Chairman of the National Statistical Committee, emphasised that accurate and up-to-date census data will help strengthen the country's agricultural sector and improve the welfare of citizens. Joint efforts with international partners, such as FAO, will create a quality statistical base for the development of agriculture in Kyrgyzstan.