Strengthening walnut value chains: the case of “Ishker KG” cooperative in Kyrgyzstan
| Introduction | The “Ishker KG” cooperative, based in Kyrgyzstan, unites 318 farmers involved in the collection and processing of local nuts, primarily Arslanbop walnuts. |
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| Country | Kyrgyzstan |
| Start date | |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Objective / Goal |
The “Ishker KG” cooperative, based in Kyrgyzstan, unites 318 farmers involved in the collection and processing of local nuts, primarily Arslanbop walnuts. Of these, 269 farmers harvest nuts from 2,049 hectares, while 49 serve as dedicated nut pickers. The cooperative has expanded its operations from selling unpeeled and peeled walnuts to producing value-added products such as walnut oil, powder, and flour to meet increasing domestic demand and explore export opportunities. |
| Beneficiaries | The initiative benefits local communities, especially women and youth. It also involves partnerships with Kyrgyz food producers such as Shoro and Kulikovskoye, which use peeled walnuts in confectionery products. Other business partners include Billagio coffee shop, a Dubai-based chocolate maker in Bishkek, and Japan’s One Village One Product initiative, which uses cooperative-supplied nuts in food production. |
| Activities |
To enhance sustainable walnut production and efficient processing, the cooperative is modernizing infrastructure, improving harvesting techniques, and diversifying its product range. These efforts are aimed at expanding access to both local and international markets while supporting rural livelihoods and conserving natural walnut forests. Key activities:
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| Impact |
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| Tags | food production organic agriculture rural development value chain development |