Fertilizer plant to secure domestic supply chain

A $260 million Chinese-led fertilizer project in southwestern Kyrgyzstan began operating last week, marking a major step in safeguarding the Central Asian nation's agricultural supply chains.

To celebrate the launch, the plant donated 200 metric tons of specialized urban-greening fertilizer, split equally between Bishkek and Osh. The supply will nourish parks, roadside vegetation, and public green spaces.

The project, spearheaded by Hebei-based Baidoujia Fertilizer, will produce 500,000 tons of humic-urea and compound fertilizers annually once fully operational. It will meet domestic demand while also generating foreign exchange through exports, according to the company.

Kyrgyzstan has historically relied almost entirely on fertilizer imports from Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. However, regional conflicts and supply-chain shocks in recent years sparked shortages, threatening local crop yields and driving up food prices.

With the project operational, the fertilizer plant is expected to create 3,000 local jobs and stimulate related industries such as logistics and chemical manufacturing.

Marking a key milestone in late July, an office building was opened at the Kyrgyzstan National Fertilizer Plant in Nookat district, Osh region, supporting production management, technical research and customer services.

The project was formally signed at the first China-Central Asia Summit in 2023 and is regarded by Chinese and Kyrgyz officials as a major Belt and Road cooperation project.

In April, the first batch of raw materials arrived at the plant in Nookat, providing supplies for initial trial production on the first 100,000-ton production line.

The materials include locally sourced refined mineral humic acid and basic fertilizer ingredients purchased from neighboring countries. The formulations are being adapted to Central Asian soil conditions and are intended to meet green and environmental standards, according to project operators.

The cooperation extends beyond fertilizer production. The project plans to establish a local sales and distribution network through franchise dealers, linking production, distribution and agricultural application.

Zhao Xuejun, chairman of Baidoujia Fertilizer, said that by combining Chinese fertilizer technology and production experience with local raw materials, labor and agricultural demand, the project will build a domestic supply chain for farm inputs while supporting Kyrgyzstan's agricultural modernization.

Chinese and Kyrgyz officials have highlighted agriculture as an important area of bilateral cooperation.

In a 2025 joint statement, the two countries said they would deepen exchanges in green agriculture, sustainable agricultural production and processing. The two sides have also pledged to expand agricultural trade and improve cooperation in modern agriculture.

Zhang Yu contributed to this story.