Kyrgyzstan has made significant strides in agricultural exports during the first quarter of 2025, exporting a remarkable 96,000 tons of agricultural products. This figure represents a substantial contribution to the economy, with the total number of exported products reaching over 18 million units, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Among the exported goods, seedlings took the lead, comprising a total of 5.7 million units. This category includes 4.9 million flower seedlings, 697,000 fruit seedlings, and 78,000 decorative seedlings. The focus on seedlings highlights Kyrgyzstan's commitment to enhancing its agricultural sector by promoting plant cultivation.
In terms of volume, vegetables (excluding potatoes) dominated the exports, with a total of 24.9 thousand tons shipped abroad. The breakdown of vegetable exports is noteworthy: cabbage accounted for 13.7 thousand tons, carrots for 3.4 thousand tons, onions for 1 thousand tons, and garlic for 141 tons. This diverse array of vegetables showcases the country's agricultural variety and the potential for growth in this sector.
Potato exports also contributed significantly, totaling 15.3 thousand tons. Additionally, other products included 12.4 thousand tons of beans, 8.7 thousand tons of nuts, and 13.6 thousand tons of fruits. Dried fruits and vegetables were also part of the export mix, with 6.9 thousand tons of dried fruits and 34.3 tons of dried vegetables making their way to international markets.
All exported products underwent rigorous quarantine phytosanitary control to ensure they met international safety standards. The Department of Agriculture meticulously inspected each shipment, taking samples for laboratory testing when necessary. Fortunately, no quarantine pests were detected in the products, indicating the high quality and safety of Kyrgyz agricultural goods.
As a result of these thorough checks, a total of 8,604 phytosanitary certificates were issued, confirming that the products complied with phytosanitary requirements. This certification process is crucial for maintaining the reputation of Kyrgyzstan's agricultural exports on the global stage.
The Ministry of Agriculture's efforts to boost agricultural exports align with the government's broader economic strategies aimed at enhancing the country's export capabilities and diversifying its economy. Such initiatives are essential for sustaining economic growth and improving the livelihoods of farmers and agricultural workers in Kyrgyzstan.
In summary, Kyrgyzstan's agricultural export performance in the first quarter of 2025 reflects a robust and growing sector. With a diverse range of products and a commitment to quality control, the country is well-positioned to expand its presence in the international agricultural market.