Cultivating Ferula for Agriculture in Kyrgyzstan
The Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan has unveiled a new program aimed at growing ferula in the country from 2024 to 2028. The draft order of the Cabinet of Ministers for the approval of this program has been submitted for public discussion.
The program’s main goal is to preserve and restore natural reserves of ferula in Kyrgyzstan, establish plantations through cultivation, and promote the processing and export of products derived from ferula. By cultivating ferula and developing its value chains, the program seeks to enhance competitiveness in international markets.
Currently, there are no seed farms in Kyrgyzstan dedicated to growing ferula, but 107 economic entities (farmers) across 12 villages are involved in its cultivation.
The program outlines specific goals, priority areas, tasks, and key measures to implement the state’s policy on growing ferula in the country. It includes plans to establish seed farms, expand cultivation areas, increase the production of ferula and its raw materials, and facilitate sales (including exports) to foreign markets.
Growing ferula is expected to bring high profitability, focus on export opportunities, and create new employment opportunities in Kyrgyzstan.
Ferula, a perennial herbaceous plant with umbrella-shaped inflorescences, is known for its milky juice which is used in treating various ailments. It is also used in producing a spice called asafetida. However, it is important to note that an overdose of ferula can lead to poisoning. While Ferula assafoetida is widely distributed in nature, the collection of ferula resin is strictly prohibited in the Kyrgyz Republic.
