Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BISHKEK933
2008-09-15 04:43:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Bishkek
Cable title:
KYRGYZ AGRICULTURE MINISTER POSITIVE ON FOOD SUPPLY
how-toVZCZCXRO2581 RR RUEHAST RUEHBI RUEHCI RUEHLH RUEHLN RUEHPW RUEHVK RUEHYG DE RUEHEK #0933 2590443 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 150443Z SEP 08 FM AMEMBASSY BISHKEK TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1346 INFO RUCNCLS/ALL SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA COLLECTIVE RUCNCIS/CIS COLLECTIVE RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 2650 RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC RUEAUSA/DEPT OF AGRICULTURE WASHDC RUEKJCS/OSD WASHDC RUEHLMC/MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORP RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
UNCLAS BISHKEK 000933
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR SCA/CEN (GORKOWSKI)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR ECON PGOV KG
SUBJECT: KYRGYZ AGRICULTURE MINISTER POSITIVE ON FOOD SUPPLY
REF: BISHKEK 593
UNCLAS BISHKEK 000933
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR SCA/CEN (GORKOWSKI)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR ECON PGOV KG
SUBJECT: KYRGYZ AGRICULTURE MINISTER POSITIVE ON FOOD SUPPLY
REF: BISHKEK 593
1. (SBU) Summary: In a September 10 meeting, Kyrgyz
Agriculture Minister Nogoyev assured the Ambassador that
government officials had taken steps to secure food supplies
this winter, but did express concern about the impact of
continued electricity cuts. Nogoyev welcomed the extension
of two USAID programs that would aid food and livestock
production, and expressed interest in an agricultural
equipment leasing program. While the Minister's optimism
echoes similarly rosy statements from other government
officials, the Embassy remains concerned about electricity,
food and other shortages that may occur this winter. End
summary.
Balancing Optimism and Aid
--------------
2. (SBU) During a September 10 introductory meeting with the
Ambassador, Kyrgyz Minister of Agriculture Arstanbek Nogoyev
provided an optimistic assessment of Kyrgyz preparations for
ensuring sufficient food supplies this winter. Pointing to
the global increases in wheat and flour prices, Nogoyev
emphasized the Kyrgyz government had taken steps to mitigate
the impact of these price increases. While stressing that
there should be sufficient food available this winter,
Nogoyev did express concern about the impact of continued
electricity cuts. Therefore, he noted, the Ministry is
seeking contingency supplies of diesel fuel, generators and
solar-powered batteries. Nogoyev noted to the Ambassador
that after independence, rural residents disassembled power
lines for scrap, and only later realized how much damage such
action caused. Nogoyev said that now these rural farmers are
forced to rely on solar batteries. "This was a good learning
experience for them," he chuckled.
3. (SBU) The Ambassador and USAID Country Representative
informed the Minister of the $2 million extension of the
USAID project focusing on agricultural inputs, private supply
chains, technology improvements that would aid staple crops
and livestock, and providing additional funds to procure
wheat seeds. The Minister expressed appreciation and agreed
that experts from both sides would meet to ensure delivery of
the right seeds for planting in late September. (Note:
Despite the Minister's assurances that food supplies were
sufficient for the coming winter, Ministry data indicate that
the country is facing over a 40% shortfall in wheat this
year. Independent data suggest that there could be a loss in
livestock of 30% or more due to lack of animal fodder. End
note.) The Ambassador and USAID Director told the Minister
that, in response to his request, USAID has also extended
assistance to water user associations in the south to assist
in improving irrigation. The Minister also welcomed the
possibility of an agricultural equipment leasing program,
calling it "ideal; a dream come true."
Comment
--------------
4. (SBU) Nogoyev's optimism echoes recent statements by
government officials downplaying any reference to potential
electricity, food or related crises this winter. Despite
such public optimism, Embassy is still concerned about
possible winter disruptions -- see reftel. USAID and other
Embassy offices are seeking additional ways to aid the Kyrgyz
through what may be a very tough winter.
GFOELLER
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR SCA/CEN (GORKOWSKI)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR ECON PGOV KG
SUBJECT: KYRGYZ AGRICULTURE MINISTER POSITIVE ON FOOD SUPPLY
REF: BISHKEK 593
1. (SBU) Summary: In a September 10 meeting, Kyrgyz
Agriculture Minister Nogoyev assured the Ambassador that
government officials had taken steps to secure food supplies
this winter, but did express concern about the impact of
continued electricity cuts. Nogoyev welcomed the extension
of two USAID programs that would aid food and livestock
production, and expressed interest in an agricultural
equipment leasing program. While the Minister's optimism
echoes similarly rosy statements from other government
officials, the Embassy remains concerned about electricity,
food and other shortages that may occur this winter. End
summary.
Balancing Optimism and Aid
--------------
2. (SBU) During a September 10 introductory meeting with the
Ambassador, Kyrgyz Minister of Agriculture Arstanbek Nogoyev
provided an optimistic assessment of Kyrgyz preparations for
ensuring sufficient food supplies this winter. Pointing to
the global increases in wheat and flour prices, Nogoyev
emphasized the Kyrgyz government had taken steps to mitigate
the impact of these price increases. While stressing that
there should be sufficient food available this winter,
Nogoyev did express concern about the impact of continued
electricity cuts. Therefore, he noted, the Ministry is
seeking contingency supplies of diesel fuel, generators and
solar-powered batteries. Nogoyev noted to the Ambassador
that after independence, rural residents disassembled power
lines for scrap, and only later realized how much damage such
action caused. Nogoyev said that now these rural farmers are
forced to rely on solar batteries. "This was a good learning
experience for them," he chuckled.
3. (SBU) The Ambassador and USAID Country Representative
informed the Minister of the $2 million extension of the
USAID project focusing on agricultural inputs, private supply
chains, technology improvements that would aid staple crops
and livestock, and providing additional funds to procure
wheat seeds. The Minister expressed appreciation and agreed
that experts from both sides would meet to ensure delivery of
the right seeds for planting in late September. (Note:
Despite the Minister's assurances that food supplies were
sufficient for the coming winter, Ministry data indicate that
the country is facing over a 40% shortfall in wheat this
year. Independent data suggest that there could be a loss in
livestock of 30% or more due to lack of animal fodder. End
note.) The Ambassador and USAID Director told the Minister
that, in response to his request, USAID has also extended
assistance to water user associations in the south to assist
in improving irrigation. The Minister also welcomed the
possibility of an agricultural equipment leasing program,
calling it "ideal; a dream come true."
Comment
--------------
4. (SBU) Nogoyev's optimism echoes recent statements by
government officials downplaying any reference to potential
electricity, food or related crises this winter. Despite
such public optimism, Embassy is still concerned about
possible winter disruptions -- see reftel. USAID and other
Embassy offices are seeking additional ways to aid the Kyrgyz
through what may be a very tough winter.
GFOELLER