The sweet cherry harvest season is underway in Kyrgyzstan's Kadamjay District, home to the country's most renowned variety, the dark-red "kokon gilas." While yields are down this year due to excessive rainfall, prices have surged, and demand remains strong both domestically and abroad.
According to Deputy Akim Abdygany Zholdoshev, sweet cherries are selling at an average of 340–350 Kyrgyz soms per kilogram (approx. €3.50–€3.60), with peak prices reaching up to 370 soms (€3.80) on days with smaller harvest volumes.
Harvesting has already concluded in lower elevation zones, while sweet cherries in higher areas are just ripening. The fruit is being shipped to Russia, Kazakhstan, and local markets. Each year, Kadamjay produces around 6,000–7,000 tonnes of sweet cherries, with over 2,000 tonnes exported.
Sweet cherry orchards in the region cover roughly 1,200 hectares, with the highest concentration in Uch-Korgon, A. Masaliyev, Maidansky, and Moldo-Niyaz ayil aimaks. Average yields reach 3.5–4 tonnes per hectare, and the prized "kokon gilas" variety remains a favorite among exporters.
Earlier in the 2024 season, prices for colored sweet cherries started at 150 soms (€1.50) per kilogram in May, later rising to 250–300 soms (€2.60–€3.10) as demand increased.
Source: www.turmush.kg
