A new facility for processing and packaging dried fruits will open in the village of Samarkandek, Batken region, by Kyrgyzstan's Independence Day. The project was announced by Avazbek Zhumagulov, head of the enterprise, in a statement to the Kabar news agency.
The facility will handle washing, cleaning, packaging, and export preparation of locally grown fruits. "We plan to pack products according to international standards and export them to countries such as Russia and Kazakhstan. I previously worked in this sector abroad and know the market well. Since 2018, I've been engaged in local agricultural processing in Kyrgyzstan," Zhumagulov said.
Construction began in 2021. As of now, 95% of the work is complete, and all equipment, imported from China, has been installed. The enterprise is in the final stages of obtaining the necessary permits from government agencies.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $200,000. This includes a $50,000 grant from USAID, a concessional loan of 8.4 million som from Ayil Bank, and private investment.
The facility will process dried apricots, walnuts, and apples sourced from local farmers. Production capacity is expected to reach up to 70 tons per month and about 1,000 tons annually. In the future, the plant may also process fresh fruits during the summer, using cold storage.
At the initial stage, 30–40 people will be employed. If demand increases, the company plans to expand its workforce. The facility may also supply the domestic market if larger internal orders are received.
Samarkandek is known for its orchards, particularly apricot trees. The launch of the facility is expected to help reduce post-harvest losses and provide local farmers with direct access to markets, contributing to regional economic development.
Source: ru.kabar.kg