With soil fertility declining and pests and diseases reducing crop yields, farmers in Kyrgyzstan are ready to try something new.

Twenty-two representatives from 20 farmer field schools in two rayons of the Chui valley gathered for a recent farmer field day in Budenovka. The gathering was part of an ongoing FAO project aimed at helping Kyrgyzstan’s farmers adopt modern crop management and pest control technologies.

With more than 60 percent of the population living in rural areas and the majority dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods, it is vital that farmers have access to up-to-date technology.

Traditional cultivation methods used across the country have had a negative impact on soil, water and source energy for plants. In addition to erosion and degradation of the soil, farmers consistently experience reduced yields due to plant diseases. Uninformed about alternative methods, they rely almost solely on chemical pesticides.

“Year after year, soil fertility is declining, and pests and diseases defoliate part of the crops,” said FAO national consultant Omurbek Mambetov. “So the strategy of the project – in addition to supplying special agricultural equipment – is to provide training in field schools to the most advanced and interested farmers, who in turn will push the knowledge further.”

At the most recent field day, participants observed “no-till” planting of spring crops – corn, soya, beans, and sunflower – on permanent raised beds. They also visited demonstration sites where winter crops had been planted. No-till planting and the use of mulch cover protect the soil, reduce erosion and retain moisture.

“I have been farming for twenty five years,” said field school participant Tasin Izatov, “but when I heard of the FAO project, I became its first partner. It’s never too late to learn about agriculture and the more knowledge you get, the more effective and profitable your business will be.”    Farmers attended the first farmer field schools in Kyrgyzstan in 2014. Some of the topics covered include integrated plant protection, biological plant protection, and the safe use of permitted chemical pesticides.

15 June 2015, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan