Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov calls for halt to arable land conversion

President Sadyr Japarov said the conversion of arable land for housing construction must be halted. He made the remarks during a meeting with residents of Manas city and Suzak district, according to Kabar's report from Bishkek dated October 23, 2026.

Japarov said 94 percent of Kyrgyzstan's territory is mountainous and 6 percent is flatland, where Bishkek, Osh, regional centers and villages are located. The population has grown from 3 million after the Soviet Union collapsed to 7 million, and is expected to reach 10 million by the 2050s. He said 360 hectares are reclassified at a time for private homes and advocated vertical construction, citing 12 nine-story residential blocks being built in Bazar-Korgon district.

Japarov said preserving arable land is crucial for food security, as Kyrgyzstan imports some food products from Kazakhstan and Russia. He acknowledged differing public opinions on land issues and addressed claims that land is being handed to the Chinese for 49 years, saying this must be understood correctly. He urged leaders to end the conversion of arable land from now on.