Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – Berry farmers in Bishkek are transforming their agricultural activities into thriving business ventures, thanks to the support of development programs that prioritize sustainability, inclusivity, and economic empowerment.
Established in 2021, KAFLU LLC, an initiative of the Kyrgyz Association of Forest and Land Users (KAFLU), has been at the forefront of promoting berry production as a viable livelihood. With a focused business model centered on the cultivation and sale of raspberry and strawberry seedlings, KAFLU LLC is helping over 60 local beneficiaries, most of them berry farmers, build a more resilient and profitable future.
Through funding support from the APFP–FO4A program, the cooperative has achieved several key milestones:
- Drip irrigation systems were installed to ensure efficient water usage;
- Over 4,800 strawberry and 800–900 raspberry seedlings are now flourishing in greenhouse nurseries;
- Beneficiaries received high-quality planting materials, enhancing productivity and survival rates;
- A dynamic management team, led by four women including a professional agronomist, is steering the operations—demonstrating the project’s commitment to gender inclusion and leadership.
This initiative not only improves household incomes but also contributes to climate resilience and local agricultural development by providing berry farmers with access to top-grade planting materials.
During a recent site visit, KAFLU LLC showcased its expansive nursery housing thousands of seedlings, not only berries but also fruit trees and ornamental plants, further demonstrating its growing potential as an agri-enterprise hub.
Looking ahead, the cooperative is also exploring export opportunities, particularly for raspberries destined for neighboring Kazakhstan, signaling the expansion of local agri-businesses into regional markets.
The APFP-FO4A program is implemented by the Asian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA) and La Via Campesina (LVC), with funding support from the European Union (EU) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The program aims to strengthen the capacities of farmers’ organizations to provide economic services, advocate for enabling policies, and promote sustainable livelihoods for small-scale family farmers across Asia.
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