UNDP, UNECE, GIZ and Hilfswerk International organised the training on improving the quality and sustainability of walnut production and trade for representatives of the walnut sector in Central Asia

On 7 and 8 September 2021, representatives of national state institutions, such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Regional Development, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Centre for Standardization and Metrology, as well as producers and exporters of walnuts participated in a two-day webinar dedicated to improving the quality and sustainability of Central Asian walnuts production and taught by international experts.

The agricultural sector has socio-economic importance and plays a key role in building resilient and sustainable food systems in the region. The potential and key role of the agribusiness sector for Central Asia is characterised by the significant labour involved in it, its participation in economic development, and income generation for the population groups, in particular for the livelihoods of many local communities.

The walnut sector in the region, along with many fresh and dried horticultural products, is largely export-oriented and therefore has the potential to address and contribute to improving livelihoods of rural communities. However, for the potential to become a reality, several key components need to be addressed, one of which is the legal and regulatory framework, as well as an understanding of markets and buyers. All of these include the use of national and international standards by local producers, the use of modern production methods, marketing and sales practices.

Walnut production in Kyrgyzstan is particularly unique thanks to its extensive natural walnut forest Arslanbob in Jalal-Abad region. It plays an important role in sustaining livelihoods of the local communities and that is why it is critical to invest in its development.

"Central Asian governments has carried out immense efforts to develop and diversify the agricultural production, increasing its export competitiveness as it is perceived as an important sector of the economy and a critical source of income for farmers and many rural families in Central Asia. The transition however, requires significant capacity building and work is underway on such issues as modern agricultural practices, food safety, plant health, as well as international quality standards to ensure sustainability of agricultural trade.”

    Dilshod Akbarov, Regional Project Manager of the Aid for Trade in Central Asia Project

Kyrgyzstan is renowned for its large-scale production of not only walnuts but also honey. Often in our country, these two products are produced and sold by the same entrepreneurs. After all, both products are among the most useful for human health.

"We are involved in exporting ecologically pure natural walnuts and honey in the southern region of Kyrgyzstan. Our aim is to provide customers with healthy products. As Kyrgyzstan has the largest forest for mountainous, wild walnuts, we have brought the most modern equipment for walnut processing and packaging. The training was very useful; we learned about international quality standards because we plan to enter the international market.”

 Shukhrat Sayidakbarov, Director of Walnut and Honey Export Company, training participant

The training on improving the quality and sustainability of walnut production and value chain in Central Asia was organized by the UNDP’s regional ‘Aid for Trade in Central Asia’ project funded by the Government of Finland in collaboration with UNECE, GIZ and Hilfswerk International.