Fruit and Berry Losses Soar to 40% in Kyrgyzstan, Jeopardizing Food Security

Academician of the Kyrgyz National Academy of Sciences Zhamin Akimaliev has said that Kyrgyzstan is losing up to 40 per cent of its fruit and berry harvests, a concerning figure that threatens the country’s goal of self-sufficiency.

Akimaliev noted that Kyrgyzstan currently meets only 40 to 45 per cent of its domestic demand for fruit and berry crops, The Caspian Post reports via Kyrgyz media.

While the country boasts excellent local varieties and produces adequate quantities, much of the harvest is lost due to shortcomings in processing, marketing, exports, and transportation.

“Only a small portion of the fruit and berry produce is processed domestically, with most being consumed fresh,” Akimaliev explained.

He stressed the urgent need to increase the number of processing plants, improve marketing and export systems, and ensure stronger governmental support for both producers and processors to enhance self-sufficiency.

“Right now, the market is largely controlled by resellers who purchase agricultural products at very low prices and sell them at much higher rates, which harms farmers and consumers alike,” Akimaliev added.

Addressing these challenges is critical to securing Kyrgyzstan’s fruit and berry sector and reducing losses that currently undermine its agricultural potential.