Acting PM Novikov stresses need for new approaches in management of agricultural sector

Bishkek, Jan. 27, 2021 /Kabar/. Preparations for spring field work should not follow the same pattern every year. The agricultural sector around the world is transitioning to new working conditions, innovations, and increased yields in high-yielding cropsб Acting Prime Minister, First Deputy Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Artem Novikov said during a meeting to discuss preparations for the spring field work.

"2020 was difficult in terms of the macroeconomic situation and food security. Especially in the second half of the year, when rise in food prices was observed, and we had to respond promptly, applying administrative measures to contain them. But today we cannot agree with this approach in the management of the agricultural sector and the development of the agro-industrial complex. Especially since almost 70% of the population live in rural areas,” Artem Novikov said.

The acting head of the government noted the need for new approaches to the management of the agricultural sector and the development of agro-industrial complex.

"These are agro-industrial cooperation and clustering issues. We are talking about five areas: meat, dairy, intensive horticulture, fishing and berry crops. There are a lot of other projects that we plan to implement with the help of our partners. It is very important, taking into account that this year it is planned to increase sowing areas by 6.5 thousand hectares, which were not used before. It is also necessary to check all irrigation facilities, calculate the volume of water resources, taking into account the increase of the volume of cultivated areas. A program on rehabilitation of water supply systems is strategically necessary. We can’t postpone making appropriate decisions for successful spring field work,” Novikov noted.

According to the information of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Industry and Land Reclamation of the Kyrgyz Republic, the “Agriculture Financing-9 project is at the stage of approval.

This year, KGS 1.1 billion is allocated to subsidize interest rates to provide concessional lending. This will provide farmers with concessional loans of more than KGS 6 billion.

In addition, a project to introduce GIS technology in the agricultural sector is under implementation.