Фермеры Баткенского и Лейлекского районов обменялись опытом по устойчивому сельскому хозяйству

Farmers from Batken and Leylek districts exchanged experiences in sustainable agriculture

The experience-sharing events between farmers from Batken and Leylek districts were organized by the "СAMР Alatoo" PF within the framework of the project "Active Women's Organizations of Civil Society of Kyrgyzstan for Peace." The project is funded by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund as part of the Initiative for Promoting Gender Issues and is implemented by three recipient organizations: the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Public Foundation "Initiatives of Roza Otunbayeva" (IRO), and UN Women.

The training visits aimed to strengthen knowledge and skills in adapting agricultural practices to climate change, as well as to enhance the role of women in ensuring food security.

A group from Leylek district, consisting mainly of women farmers, visited the agricultural cooperative "Club Malina" in the village of Zhany-Zher, Darinsky ayil aimak of Batken region. At the beginning of the meeting, representatives of local authorities and FAO Kyrgyzstan welcomed the guests, emphasizing the importance of knowledge exchange for sustainable farming practices.

Azymat Usupbekov, a specialist from the "СAMР Alatoo" PF, presented modern agricultural technologies and natural resource management practices considering climate changes. Particular attention was paid to sustainable agricultural approaches and adaptation issues that pose significant challenges for local farmers.

Women from Aksy district, who also participated in the visit, shared their experience in creating women's rural mutual aid groups (GMA). They discussed how GMA supports rural women in developing small businesses, participating in public life, and implementing Climate Smart technologies. This presentation sparked great interest among the Batken delegation, leading to questions about establishing GMAs, funding mechanisms, and project implementation at the local level.

The practical part of the event included a demonstration by the agricultural cooperative "Club Malina." Representatives of the cooperative explained how to organize strawberry cultivation, focusing on the acquisition of planting material, new varieties, and advanced technologies such as drip irrigation and water reservoirs. Cooperative members showcased the planting, care, and harvesting processes while sharing tips on marketing their products.

When the farmers from Batken district arrived in Leylek, they were welcomed by a local initiative group from the village of Kara-Suu. The group representatives shared their successful project on planting wild rose (rose hip) as a natural barrier against mudflows, which has become an important adaptation measure to combat frequent natural disasters in the area. Participants learned about the mechanisms for implementing this measure, including soil preparation, planting, caring for the shrubs, and the economic benefits of cultivating wild rose.

In conclusion, the participants of the experience-sharing visits noted that this bilateral cooperation helped them broaden their horizons, enrich their knowledge, and strengthen the skills necessary for sustainable agricultural development in the context of climate change.