Kyrgyzstan showcases organic farming at mountain festival

BISHKEK,  Kyrgyzstan MNTV)  — Farmers, international delegates, and food experts gathered this week in the village of Kopuro-Bazar for “Shirge Zhiyar,” an organic products festival highlighting Kyrgyzstan’s growing role in global sustainable agriculture.

Producers from Talas, Jalal-Abad and Issyk-Kul regions showcased organic honey, dairy, grains, and greenhouse products, many of which are already reaching consumers in China, Europe, the United States, and the Middle East. 

Visitors sampled and purchased goods while learning about community-based “organic aimaks” — village councils that have adopted environmentally friendly farming methods.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) joined local cooperatives and civil groups at the event, underscoring the international recognition of Kyrgyzstan’s organic initiatives. 

Farms in Talas have introduced certification systems aligned with the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), using the Participatory Guarantee System to build trust with buyers at home and abroad.

Officials said the festival also fits into Kyrgyzstan’s five-year strategy for developing mountain regions, which prioritizes organic production, greenhouse expansion, and harvest preservation. The plan links sustainable farming to national health, environmental protection, and export diversification.

By promoting organic practices in high-altitude communities, Kyrgyzstan hopes to turn its geography from a challenge into an advantage. 

With global demand for chemical-free food surging, events like “Shirge Zhiyar” aim to position the country not only as a supplier of niche products but also as a model for mountain farming economies.