Walnuts are the pride and national treasure of Kyrgyzstan

Walnuts in Kyrgyzstan – it is not just an agricultural product, but an important part of the nation's heritage and economy. A special place is occupied by the unique walnut forests of Arslanbob, which are one of the world's largest arrays of natural relict walnut trees.

Historical context and uniqueness of Kyrgyz nuts

The walnut forests of Arslanbob have a rich history. There is a legend that it was Alexander the Great who brought walnuts to Europe from these places. These forests, covering about 40 thousand hectares, are home to trees that are up to a thousand years old, making them a unique natural and historical treasure.

Modern walnut farming in Kyrgyzstan

Modern walnut farming in Kyrgyzstan continues to develop, relying on ancient traditions and innovative approaches. The total area of walnut forests is about 41 thousand hectares, with a biological yield of up to 5 thousand tons per year. Harvesting methods remain traditional: local residents travel with their families to the forests where they hand-pick the nuts, which helps maintain their high quality. This labor-intensive process not only helps keep the product environmentally friendly, but also supports local communities by providing them with jobs and income.

Economic significance

Walnut farming in Kyrgyzstan plays a significant role in the country's economy. Walnuts are not only popular in the domestic market, but are also an important export product. Over the 11 months of 2022, Kyrgyzstan exported more than 12 thousand tons of walnuts worth $10.6 million, which indicates a significant increase compared to the previous year.

Exports of nuts are carried out to many countries, including Russia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, as well as to European countries. Particularly impressive is the fact that Kyrgyz walnuts under the Jack Klijn brand are already sold in popular supermarkets in Europe.

Various initiatives and projects are being implemented in the walnut sector. For example, the Association of Walnut Growers and Foresters of Kyrgyzstan has begun implementing a socially oriented pilot project for the cultivation and introduction of new varieties of walnuts at the industrial level. It is also proposed to create a “Technological Center for Nut Crops” within the framework of public-private partnership, which will improve technological processing and export of products.

Benefits of Kyrgyz walnuts

Kyrgyz walnuts are distinguished by their high quality and unique taste, thanks to the special climatic and geographical conditions of the region. These nuts are rich in nutrients and medicinal substances, which makes them not only tasty, but also healthy.

In addition, Kyrgyz nuts are certified according to international standards, including Fair Trade, which confirms their quality and safety. This not only increases confidence in the product internationally, but also opens the door to export to countries with high product quality requirements.

Prospects and plans for the future

In the near future, Kyrgyzstan plans to expand the production of walnuts and increase their exports. This includes the development of new areas for plantings, as well as the introduction of modern technologies in the process of growing and processing nuts. One of the key areas is the creation of a “Technological Center for Nut Crops”, which will improve the quality of products and increase their competitiveness in the global market.

In this context, the role of an entrepreneur selling walnuts is especially significant. It not only contributes to the country's economic growth through exports, but also participates in preserving cultural heritage and supporting the local community. 

Ulan Satykeev, an individual entrepreneur, has been procuring, selling and shipping nuts for export for more than 10 years. Actively cooperates with importers from Uzbekistan and Turkey. Works only with trusted farmers and guarantees the environmental friendliness of the products sold. According to Ulan Satykeev, “Modern technologies are developing very quickly in the nut industry. In the near future, manufacturers plan to introduce  innovative methods of processing and storing nuts, which will preserve their nutritional properties and improve their taste. These innovations not only help increase export potential, but also ensure sustainable development of the industry”.

Conclusion

Walnuts play an important role in the economy and culture of Kyrgyzstan. Not only are they a significant export product, but they also contribute to the conservation of the country's unique environmental and social aspects. Given current initiatives and plans for the future, walnut farming in Kyrgyzstan promises further development and prosperity.

Contacts

Phone: +996220263124

Email: ulansstikeev@gmail.com

Company page on Allfoods Market: https://allfoods.market/profile/castom