On September 18, 2014, the USAID Kyrgyz Agro-Input Enterprise Development Project (KAED) will host a close out ceremony to highlight achievements in the Kyrgyz Republic’s agricultural sector since the project began in 2001.  With the goal of improving food security for the country, the project has helped tens of thousands of Kyrgyz farmers increase yields of wheat and other vital food crops, as well as the quantity and quality of animal feed for the production of milk, eggs, and meat.  The ceremony will bring together representatives of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, project partners and beneficiaries, and international organizations.  The ceremony will begin at 9:30 am at Hyatt Regency Bishkek.

The project team worked with a variety of partners, including agricultural products dealer networks, farm stores, and non-governmental organizations to increase the availability of agricultural supplies for local farmers, and to link the isolated Kyrgyz market with reputable international suppliers.  Through partnerships with the Eurasia Group, Oasis, TES Center, and others, farmers are now able to raise more and better quality soybeans, sunflowers, and corn as sources of animal feed, which has transformed the country’s poultry sector.  Kyrgyz egg producers can now compete successfully with imported eggs from China and Russia, where feed is subsidized.

KAED provided significant support to the Kyrgyz Republic in the area of land rehabilitation.  Approximately 5,500 hectares of unused farmland in the south and Issyk-Kul regions were brought back into production, which is a significant achievement in a country where arable land is scarce.  With help from foreign investors, KAED leveraged $442,000 over two years for land rehabilitation in the area around Issyk-Kul Lake, thus creating a successful model for attracting private investments in the agricultural sector. 

In close cooperation with the Kyrgyz Republic’s Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, KAED successfully implemented a $20 million Economic Development Fund (EDF) program.  In the first phase of EDF, KAED procured 3,600 metric tons of quality seeds for 34,000 farmers and cooperatives, which generated an estimated $12.2 million in farm income.  In the second phase, selected seed farms received 94 pieces of agricultural equipment, including tractors, combine harvesters, ploughs, and seed cleaners, as well as additional high quality seed and technical support, including field demonstrations on new crop varieties.  Phase three focused on increasing the productivity and profitability of the livestock sector.  400 pieces of agricultural equipment, including tractors, combines, irrigation, and milking equipment were delivered to nine livestock farms selected by the Ministry of Agriculture.  The farms have also received 235 head of pedigree Black Angus cattle from Montana, USA.  This breed is valued for its high quality meat and adaptability to the local climate.