Kyrgyzstan

Potato cultivation in Kyrgyzstan is primarily concentrated in the fertile, high-altitude foothills and irrigated valleys of the Chui, Issyk-Kul, Naryn, Jalal-Abad, and Osh regions. These areas benefit from a cool continental climate and virus-low upland zones, making them ideal for both ware and seed potato production. The Issyk-Kul region stands out as the country's leading potato-growing area, while Talas and Chui are also significant contributors. Southern regions such as Jalal-Abad, Osh, and Batken are known for cultivating early-maturing potato varieties.

In terms of varietal diversity, Kyrgyz farmers grow both improved and traditional varieties. Modern cultivars like Sylvana, Colomba, Camelia, and Perdiz—imported for their yield potential and quality—are being evaluated across districts like Naryn and At-Bashi under seed value chain development programs. Notably, super-elite class seed varieties such as Silvana, Kolomba, Peridiz, and Kmeliya are undergoing trials in these areas, while elite varieties like Challenger and Camellia have been introduced through partnerships with Dutch breeder HZPC. Traditional varieties, including Atlant, Krinitsa, Rosinka, and Skarb, continue to be widely cultivated.

Regional specialization is evident, with northern areas like Talas, Chui, and Issyk-Kul focusing on late-maturing varieties, and the southwestern zones such as Jalal-Abad, Osh, and Batken prioritizing early types. The Kyrgyz Research Institute of Potato and Vegetable Growing, in collaboration with the International Potato Center (CIP) and its regional office in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, plays a central role in varietal research, seed multiplication, and technology transfer to support the country's potato sector development.

Potatoes were introduced to Kyrgyzstan in the 19th century during the Russian Empire era and quickly adapted to the country’s temperate foothills and mountainous highlands, earning the nickname “second bread.” While cultivation remained limited for decades, production expanded significantly after the early 1990s, rising from around 360,000 tonnes in 1992 to over 1.37 million tonnes by 2007. This growth was driven by smallholder farmers, favorable agro-climatic conditions, and the crop’s adaptability to Kyrgyzstan’s continental climate and rugged terrain—factors that together established the "Kyrgyz Potato Model." This model has positioned potatoes as a cornerstone of national food security and rural livelihoods, reinforcing their vital role in the country’s agricultural economy.