Potato producers request restrictions on potato imports, which have increased 55-fold

In response to numerous appeals from representatives of the Association for the Development of the Agro-Industrial Complex and the Association “Potato Growers Cluster of the Kyrgyz Republic,” the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry is considering the introduction of temporary restrictions on potato imports.

According to data from the National Statistics Committee, over the first eight months of 2025, more than 28,000 tons of potatoes were imported into Kyrgyzstan, mainly from China and Uzbekistan. During the same period last year, imports totaled only 500 tons, which is approximately 55 times lower than current figures.

At the same time, Kyrgyz potato exports amounted to 20,900 tons in the first eight months of the year, which is 13,000 tons less than in the same period last year.

“The measure to restrict imports is necessary in connection with a possible increase in potato imports, which could lead to a decline in prices on the domestic market and cause damage to domestic producers,” the Ministry of Agriculture noted.

The ministry intends to take measures to protect the interests of local farmers and stabilize the price situation on the potato market.

According to preliminary data, early and mid-early potato varieties have been harvested from 23,100 hectares in Kyrgyzstan, with a gross yield of 381,500 tons and an average yield of 165.3 centners per hectare. The highest figures were recorded in the Issyk-Kul region — about 200 cwt/ha. In the Naryn region, harvesting began in the Kochkor district, where 180 to 200 centners per hectare are obtained, mainly from the “Jelly” and “Actress” varieties. A total of 64,600 hectares have been allocated for harvesting in 2025.