FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/99 - KYRGYZ REPUBLIC (26 May)

KYRGYZ REPUBLIC (26 May)

Agricultural policy is focussed on introducing private land ownership and increasing output of sugarbeet, maize, cotton and tobacco while keeping wheat production stable. The target for grain production in 1999 is 1.7 million tonnes. The harvest in 1998 is officially estimated at 1.6 million tonnes.

The outlook for the 1999 winter wheat crop remains satisfactory. Indications are that the shift from grain to industrial and other foodcrops will continue this year. The envisaged yield increases may prove difficult to achieve in view of the shortage of money on farm with which to purchase inputs, the devaluation of the som and intensified economic problems this year as a result of the Russian financial crisis. The 1999 grain harvest is tentatively estimated to remain at 1.6 million tonnes and to include 1.2 million tonnes of wheat.

Cereal imports in 1998/99 are forecast at about 120 000 tonnes. Food aid deliveries amounted to 4 000 tonnes and the balance was imported commercially. The country also exports an estimated 150 000 tonnes of wheat per year to neighbouring Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

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