Сельскохозяйственный кооператив создан в Иссык-Кульской области

New Agricultural Cooperative Established in Issyk-Kul Region

Twenty-six residents from the villages of Chon-Zhargylchak and Kichi-Zhargylchak in the Jeti-Oguz district have joined forces to form the "Zhargylchak Agro" agricultural cooperative.

The initiative was launched by the CAMP Alatoo PF last autumn. Consultations and surveys with local residents revealed that smallholder farmers face a common set of challenges: the necessity to sell produce—particularly perishable fruits like apples and pears—immediately after harvest at suppressed prices. This often results in low profit margins and persistent economic vulnerability for rural households.

The establishment of this non-profit cooperative is a strategic response to these challenges. By pooling their resources, farmers will be able to store their harvests, engage in bulk sales, develop a more resilient market model, and negotiate more favorable terms with wholesalers.

In mid-March 2026, during a meeting with CAMP Alatoo PF representatives, all legal procedures were finalized as the farmers officially joined the cooperative and signed its Charter. Participants received comprehensive briefings on the cooperative’s operational principles, benefits, and membership terms. Additionally, a preliminary budget was drafted, and membership fee structures were defined.

"Zhargylchak Agro" has already completed its state registration and is currently finalizing banking and tax documentation. One of its first practical steps will be the development of a comprehensive marketing plan and the organization of collective sales at premium market prices. Upcoming activities for cooperative members include specialized training in management, administration, and financial planning.

The formation of this cooperative is a cornerstone of the project: "Sustainable Agribusiness Development through Solar-Powered Cold Storage Infrastructure Managed by a Farmer Cooperative in Issyk-Kul Region (Phase 1)." The project is implemented by the CAMP Alatoo PF with the generous support of the PVSYST Foundation (France). "Zhargylchak Agro" is expected to become a self-sustaining entity capable of independent sales planning, resource management, and community-level decision-making.