In Kyrgyzstan, the heat reduced the grain harvest by almost a quarter

Abnormally high temperatures this summer have negatively affected grain yields in Kyrgyzstan. As of 23 August, more than 900,000 tonnes of grain had been harvested from an area of 429,000 hectares, based on initial recorded weights. This is almost 23% less than a year earlier.

The main decline was recorded in the Chui and Talas regions. At the same time, the share of farms in the Chui region in the total harvest amounted to almost 35% — more than 318,000 tonnes. This included 179,000 tonnes of wheat (42% of the national total) and 137,000 tonnes of barley (39%).

The average yield in the republic fell significantly compared to last year:

• wheat — down 31.6%;
• barley — down 31.5%.

Despite the decline in grain production, other crops are showing growth. Thus, the gross harvest:

• oilseeds increased by 47%;
• fruit and berry crops — by 22%;
• melons — by 17%;
• vegetables — by 11%;
• potatoes — by almost 4%.

Thus, the diversification of agricultural production has partially offset the losses in grain production, but the blow to the country's breadbasket remains significant.