Kyrgyzstan Boosts Vegetable Oil Production

Kyrgyzstan is continuing to implement its vegetable oil import substitution policy, which is enhancing food security and boosting the market share of locally produced goods.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, by the end of 2024, the self-sufficiency of vegetable oil from domestic production increased from 20.2% in 2022 to 50%. This growth is due to the expansion of oilseed processing and overall market stabilization, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kabar.

In 2025, five more processing plants were launched in the republic: one in the Issyk-Kul region, two in the Naryn region, and one each in the Talas and Chui regions. Furthermore, according to the National Statistical Committee, there are 9 large and 136 small enterprises registered in the country engaged in oilseed processing.

From January to November 2025, domestic producers produced approximately 18,500 tons of vegetable oil. Self-sufficiency from domestic production reached 56.5%, a result of expanding processing capacity and reducing reliance on imports.

At the same time, the Ministry continues to introduce high-yielding varieties of oilseed crops. New varieties imported from the United States, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Turkey are being tested. In recent years, the promising safflower variety "Petrovich" has been included in the state register of varieties, demonstrating stable and high production results.

The development of processing and the introduction of new varieties create the preconditions for further growth in vegetable oil production in the country.