Written May 2009
Country: Kyrgyzstan
KAED II opened a farm store in Kara-Balta, Kyrgyzstan, on May 20, 2009. Baktybek Jumaliev is the store owner and member of the Association of Agribusinessmen of Kyrgyzstan (AAK).
“Farm stores are the best channel to promote and distribute quality certified seeds, fertilizers and crop protection products (CPPs),” says Dr. Hiqmet Demiri, KAED II Chief of Party. “The stores give farmers access to information, quality inputs and linkages with multinational companies.”
The store sells vegetable seeds; melons, gourds and other plants; N, P, K and turf fertilizers; CPPs; and veterinary medications. Customers are offered consulting services on fertilizer application, how to grow various plants and veterinary care.
Other Successful Retail Farm Stores in Kyrgyzstan
Osh Krastex, one of the most successful retail and wholesale farm stores in Kyrgyzstan, increased its agro-input sales from $20,000 in 2005 to almost $400,000 in 2008. In addition to carrying quality fertilizer, seed and CPPs, Osh Krastex has developed an effective system of transferring knowledge to farmers.
AgroVetService provides quality inputs for agriculture and veterinary medicine. Located in Osh, its annual sales average $260,000–$300,000.
Agro Fighters opened in 2006 in the village of Aravan. With KAED’s help, Agro Fighters quickly increased business and reached $23,400 in annual sales in 2008.
Rayhan is run by an AAK businesswoman. Baltabaeva Rayhan started the business in Batken Oblast in 2004 with only $400. By 2008 annual sales rose to $40,000.