Kyrgyzstan Joins Green Agriculture Initiative as Pilot Country

Kyrgyzstan has officially become a pilot country in the Green Agriculture Initiative, marking a significant step toward sustainable agricultural development. The initiative, launched in 2022, aims to address climate change, environmental degradation, and food security challenges while promoting green technologies and resource-efficient farming practices.

Commitment to sustainable agriculture

Kyrgyzstan has already experienced a 1.12°C rise in temperature over the past 40 years, nearing the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement. If current trends continue, up to 80% of the country’s glaciers could melt by 2100, leading to severe water shortages. Additionally, unsustainable monoculture farming, pesticide overuse, and inefficient irrigation have placed further strain on soil health and biodiversity.

In response, the government has prioritized green agriculture as part of its Green Economy Development Program (2019-2023) and its expanded 2024-2028 strategy. This initiative integrates renewable energy and sustainable resource management to build climate resilience and improve food security.

Government and International Support

At the official event, Zhanybek Kerimaliev, First Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, emphasized that green agriculture is key to modernizing Kyrgyzstan’s agrifood systems. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between the state, scientific institutions, and businesses in adopting sustainable solutions.

FAO Representative Oleg Guchgeldiyev underscored the economic and ecological benefits of the green transition. He stated that concepts such as energy efficiency, green technologies, and green economy are now part of everyday reality, reinforcing that environmental sustainability and economic growth can coexist.

Regional сooperation and future plans

The event gathered government representatives, development partners, and experts to discuss strategies for integrating green agriculture into national policies. As part of the initiative, Kyrgyzstan will collaborate with other participating countries, including Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, to share knowledge and advance regional sustainability efforts.

The country is set to establish a National Technical Network to promote green agricultural practices and strengthen institutional capacity. Expected outcomes include policy recommendations, technical guidance, and further investment in sustainable farming.

By joining the Green Agriculture Initiative, Kyrgyzstan reinforces its commitment to environmentally responsible economic growth, setting a foundation for long-term resilience and regional cooperation in sustainable agrifood systems.