According to Akimaliev, currently, a large portion of vegetables and fruits on the market is imported and differs in quality and taste from locally produced products that were available a few years ago. He noted that in the process of producing imported goods, high levels of mineral fertilizers, antibiotics, and hormones, as well as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), are often used.
The academician pointed out that Kyrgyzstan has favorable climatic conditions, clean air, and water, which creates excellent opportunities for the development of organic agricultural production. He believes that food security should be based on local products rather than imports.
Furthermore, he emphasized the need for the rapid establishment of processing enterprises to meet the population's demand for local products.
Regarding quality control, Akimaliev noted that the relevant state authorities, particularly the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, should oversee the imported products. He stressed that phytosanitary and sanitary control over imported goods should be stricter.
Akimaliev also added that cases of returning substandard products do occur, but he believes that border control remains insufficiently effective.
