This draft law, prepared by the Cabinet of Ministers, is designed to create a legal framework for the cultivation of medicinal plants in the agricultural sector, reduce pressure on natural resources, and expand state support for farmers.
Cultivation of Medicinal Plants
The main innovation is the official permission for the cultivation of medicinal plants using agricultural methods.
It is proposed to:
- allow the production of medicinal plants in agricultural conditions;
- include these plants in the strategy for the development of the agro-food sector;
- secure the right to use wild-growing plants for their further cultivation.
A provision regarding selective-genetic methods for creating agricultural crops, including medicinal plants such as valerian, calendula, sage, saffron, and others, will also be added to the law "On the Development of Agriculture."
Changes to the Law on Plant Resources
The amendments also concern the law "On the Protection and Use of Plant Resources."
In particular, it is proposed to:
- expand the rights of individuals and legal entities to cultivate medicinal plants using agricultural methods;
- introduce a new type of use of plant resources — the cultivation of wild medicinal plants;
- clarify the types of use of plant resources;
- align the powers of state bodies with the existing management system, including replacing mentions of the government with the Cabinet of Ministers;
- clarify the procedure for controlling and regulating plant resources.
According to the information from the initiators, the adoption of this law will provide farmers with access to state support measures such as subsidies, preferential loans, and technical assistance. It will also create incentives for attracting investments in the industry, expected diversification of agriculture, the emergence of new sources of income for the rural population, an expanded range of agricultural products, and enhanced export opportunities for the country.
As stated in the justification for the draft law, Kyrgyzstan possesses significant natural resources of medicinal plants; however, their uncontrolled collection leads to depletion and the threat of extinction of some species. Currently, these plants are not considered agricultural crops, which creates legal barriers to their cultivation on agricultural lands and obtaining state support.
