Transforming Agriculture in Kyrgyzstan: An Interview with Farmer Altynbek

In the frame of the Value Chain Agro Finance project, financed by KfW, EIB, and EU, a young entrepreneur from the At-Bashy Valley, Altynbek Aibashov, has mastered new methods of potato cultivation using Dutch varieties.

He shared insights about his agricultural business in an engaging interview with us.

GOPA AFC: Mr. Altynbek, hello! Could you introduce yourself and your business?

Altynbek: Hello! I was born in 1982 in Acha-Kayyngdy village, At-Bashy district, Naryn region. After school, I joined a farming cooperative and studied "Traffic Management and Safety" remotely at Naryn State University but never worked in that field. I developed a strong interest in farming and have been growing grain crops and potatoes for about 20 years. In 2023, we established the "Kurmanbek Ata" agricultural cooperative, consisting of eight members, with me as its head. We received 25 hectares of land from the At-Bashy Development Fund’s department, allowing us to expand our business.

We previously grew the "Picasso" variety but have now introduced four new Dutch varieties: "Silvano," "Camelia," "Colombo," and "Perdis." The financial aspect was supported by the Value Chain Agro Finance project. Two districts in Kyrgyzstan – At-Bashy and Chon-Alai – were selected for the project. The new varieties arrived in 25 kg bags with all necessary certifications. We harvested 40 tons of potatoes from 0.2 hectares last year.

GOPA AFC: How did you master the cultivation of these new potato varieties?

Altynbek: Experts from the Value Chain Agro Finance project conducted five training sessions. They demonstrated proper irrigation techniques and guided us on maintaining the plants during their blooming phase. These lessons motivated us, and our interest in potato cultivation increased.

In At-Bashy, we also mastered the drip irrigation method, which conserves water and provides excellent results. This technique helps retain moisture and distribute water evenly, even on uneven terrain. It also allows nutrients to reach the roots directly, making it more beneficial. With conventional farming methods, we could harvest 20 tons of crop, but using drip irrigation, we can achieve 40 tons.

GOPA AFC: Where do you sell your products?

Altynbek: We used to sell seed potatoes of the "Picasso" variety within Kyrgyzstan. Due to low prices and demand, many people stopped planting potatoes. We introduced new varieties to attract more interest and meet Dutch standards for better prices. We need a logistics center and storage facilities for the potatoes, requiring at least 50 million som. Last year, we harvested 45 tons per hectare, and this year, we aim for up to 1,000 tons.

GOPA AFC: Have you considered exporting your products?

Altynbek: There was a demand to export 2,000 tons of seed potatoes to Uzbekistan, but poor-quality potatoes were sent, resulting in a blacklist. Last year, due to global drought, the opportunity to export to Uzbekistan opened up again, raising potato prices.

GOPA AFC: What will be the price of the new seed potatoes you are currently producing?

Altynbek: We aim to offer the potatoes at 100 soms to make them more accessible. We plan to start selling them in April.

GOPA AFC: What advice would you give to readers who want to start a business in this field?

Altynbek: There is a high demand for potatoes. Farmers should choose quality land and give special attention to the seed. Consulting with farmers or agronomists can lead to better yields.

GOPA AFC: What are your future plans?

Altynbek: We aim to produce "Elita" quality potatoes, sell them at affordable prices, and increase our potato quantity. We are expecting the "Super Super" varieties soon.

GOPA AFC: Mr. Altynbek, thank you for your time, and I wish you success in your business!