Farmers in Kyrgyzstan's Issyk-Kul region report tons of potatoes rotting due to an oversupply of cheaper imports from China, while prices in Bishkek remain high.
According to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, officials had warned farmers in January to sell stocks before the market shifted, but many held out for higher prices.
The ministry stated it cannot regulate market prices or ban imports, as restricting foreign potatoes would cause prices to double, negatively impacting consumers.
Officials have offered farmers direct sales opportunities in Bishkek, but many prefer bulk buyers to collect produce on-site.
Source: 24.kg