Fertilizer plant to secure domestic supply chain

A $260 million Chinese-led fertilizer project in southwestern Kyrgyzstan began operating last week, marking a major step in safeguarding the Central Asian nation's agricultural supply chains.

To celebrate the launch, the plant donated 200 metric tons of specialized urban-greening fertilizer, split equally between Bishkek and Osh. The supply will nourish parks, roadside vegetation, and public green spaces.

The project, spearheaded by Hebei-based Baidoujia Fertilizer, will produce 500,000 tons of humic-urea and compound fertilizers annually once fully operational. It will meet domestic demand while also generating foreign exchange through exports, according to the company.

Kyrgyzstan has historically relied almost entirely on fertilizer imports from Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. However, regional conflicts and supply-chain shocks in recent years sparked shortages, threatening local crop yields and driving up food prices.

With the project operational, the fertilizer plant is expected to create 3,000 local jobs and stimulate related industries such as logistics and chemical manufacturing.

Marking a key milestone in late July, an office building was opened at the Kyrgyzstan National Fertilizer Plant in Nookat district, Osh region, supporting production management, technical research and customer services.

The project was formally signed at the first China-Central Asia Summit in 2023 and is regarded by Chinese and Kyrgyz officials as a major Belt and Road cooperation project.