Bishkek, March 27, 2026. /Kabar/. Kyrgyzstan has joined the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) global "Soil Doctors" program, aimed at sustainable soil management and improving soil fertility.
According to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry, soil is a key natural resource, accounting for up to 95% of global food production.
In Kyrgyzstan, characterized by mountainous terrain and diverse agricultural landscapes, fertility conservation is particularly important. The country faces challenges such as erosion, land degradation, and soil salinization, which directly impact the sustainability of agriculture.
As part of the program, FAO, in collaboration with the Kyrgyz Research Institute of Agriculture named after K.K. Azykov (KRIAZ), is launching the national phase of the initiative. The program aims to develop the practical skills of farmers, agronomists, and agricultural specialists through the implementation of sustainable soil management practices.
From March 23 to 27, the first training course is being held in Bishkek, bringing together KRIAZ specialists, agronomists, consultants, and farmers. The training program combines theoretical knowledge and practical work, including methods for diagnosing soil health, assessing its structure, acidity, and organic matter content.
The global "Soil Doctors" program, launched by FAO in 2020, is based on the principle of farmer-to-farmer knowledge transfer and aims to prevent soil degradation and implement sustainable agricultural practices. Implementation of the program in Kyrgyzstan is expected to improve soil resource management efficiency, enhance the quality of agricultural products, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector.