AKIPRESS.COM - Five hundred fifty farmer families in Osh, Jalal Abad and Batken oblasts received over two tons of high-yield maize seeds and 22.5 tons of fertilizers from the U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This will help improve farmers’ dairy production by raising the quality of maize that cattle eat, the U.S. Embassy said.

In addition to distributing seeds and fertilizers, USAID’s Agro Trade Activity provided comprehensive training and on-farm coaching sessions about advanced maize cultivation techniques – all in a broader effort to empower local farmers and improve agricultural efficiency.

"High-yield maize varieties are more expensive compared to local ones, making them unaffordable to many. However, this initiative helps low-income families to benefit from them. Their maize crop will be more resistant to diseases and pests and will experience a 30 percent increase in yield. This zero-waste solution provides cattle with high-quality feed, which ultimately leads to more milk being produced,” says Kaya Adams, USAID Mission Director in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The USAID Agro Trade Activity is dedicated to fostering sustainable agricultural practices and supporting local farmers in the Kyrgyz Republic. It supports agricultural development in the Kyrgyz Republic by increasing productivity; expanding processing capacity; improving food security; developing business linkages; and promoting equitable access to financial resources, including for women, youth, and marginalized groups.