FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/01 - KYRGYZ REPUBLIC (31 May)

The 2001 grain production target is 1.7 million tonnes. The cropping situation is generally satisfactory and spring grain planting is virtually completed. Biomass development to date is more advanced than at the corresponding time last year except in western Osh region. As The SyrDarya river supplying irrigation to the central Asian region rises, in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, this country may not be affected to the same extent as the downstream neighbours by inadequate precipitation this winter. However, increased demand for electricity in the winter months in response to a debt- induced cut-off of gas supplies, has resulted in water accumulation this winter being diverted to hydro-electrical production and reduced availability for irrigation for the entire region in the summer. The spring grain area is targeted to reach 398 000 hectares and include 67 000 hectares of maize grain. The 2000 grain harvest is officially estimated at 1.57 million tonnes including 1.04 million tonnes of wheat. This is somewhat less than the previous year�s harvest (1.63 million tonnes) and below target, reflecting crop losses due to dry weather and early snows.

The overall food supply situation remains satisfactory and indeed the country exports some cereals to neighbouring Tajikistan and Afghanistan. However, a significant proportion of the population is poor, and access to adequate food is primarily a problem of purchasing power. The country also imports wheat in part due to the demand for quality wheat, to supplement the State Security Reserve (via food aid deliveries), and due to poor internal communications.