BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, March 27. Kyrgyzstan has
joined the global "Doctors for Soils" initiative of the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), aimed at
sustainable soil management and improving land fertility, Trend reports via the Kyrgyz
Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing
Industry.
This initiative holds particular significance for Kyrgyzstan,
where the country's mountainous terrain and diverse agro-ecosystems
present challenges such as soil erosion, degradation, and
salinization, issues that directly impact agricultural
sustainability.
In collaboration with the Kyrgyz Research Institute of
Agriculture named after K.K. Azykov, the FAO has initiated the
national phase of this program to equip farmers, agronomists, and
agricultural specialists with practical skills in sustainable soil
management.
From March 23 through 27, the first training session was held in
Bishkek, bringing together experts from the institute, agronomists,
consultants, and farmers. The program integrates theoretical
instruction with hands-on practical exercises, covering key areas
such as soil diagnostics, structural assessments, acidity analysis,
and the evaluation of organic matter content.
Originally launched in 2020, FAO’s global "Doctors for Soils"
program follows a farmer-to-farmer knowledge-sharing model and
focuses on preventing soil degradation while promoting sustainable
agricultural practices.
The initiative in Kyrgyzstan aims to enhance soil resource
management, improve the quality of agricultural products, and
bolster the long-term resilience of the country's agricultural
sector.
