Bishkek, April 27, 2026 /Kabar/. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Kyrgyz Research Institute of Agriculture, has begun the implementation of the FAO’s Global Soil Doctors Programme in the country. Through the programme, farmers gain the knowledge and skills necessary to independently diagnose and address soil-related issues.
The success of the programme largely depends on the key role of the “promoter,” who understands the specific characteristics of agricultural practices in the country, as well as the cultural context. Promoters act as a bridge between the FAO Global Soil Partnership, national institutions, academia, and farmers themselves.
The first training seminar of five days involving 25 master trainers have concluded. These “Soil Doctors” will then spread what they’ve learned throughout the country, training farmers in modern methods of sustainable soil management.
“Without healthy soils, there is no food security, no proper nutrition, no biodiversity, and no clean water,” said Oleg Guchgeldiyev, FAO Representative in Kyrgyzstan, in his opening remarks. “Soils provide more than 95 percent of our food and serve as a source of the key chemical nutrients essential for plant growth. However, soils face serious threats, including degradation, erosion, and unsustainable use.”
The training programme combined theoretical sessions with intensive practical exercises. The 25 participants, who represented the country’s largest districts, studied the functions of various soil types and the role of organic matter.
Special attention was given to diagnostic methods that farmers can apply directly in their fields (for example, using special indicators to determine soil acidity). FAO provided all participants with specialized soil analysis kits, as well as informational and training materials.
The programme covered not only soil diagnostic skills but also key recommendations for improving soil quality.
“Our objective is not merely to impart knowledge, but to demonstrate simple and accessible methods that can be used directly in the field without complex equipment,” explained Maria Konyushkova, FAO specialist on sustainable soil management. “This helps farmers better understand the condition of their soil and make informed decisions to enhance its fertility.”
For two of the five training days, the master trainers conducted their own training sessions for farmers from the Chuy region of Kyrgyzstan. For the trainers, this served as a final examination, allowing them to demonstrate the skills they had acquired.
According to Shabdan Matkasymov, a soil scientist from the Jalal-Abad region and a participant in the training, the knowledge and skills gained during the course have enabled him to develop a deeper understanding of how to increase the content of available nutrients in the soil.
The Global Soil Doctors Programme, launched by FAO in 2020, facilitates the dissemination of innovative approaches to combating soil degradation and maintaining the health of agricultural lands, contributing to the “healing” of soils through the efforts of these dedicated doctors. Kyrgyzstan’s participation in this initiative will help reduce pressure on soil resources, improve the quality of agricultural products, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of its agricultural sector.