As of August 11, the average retail price of watermelons in Bishkek stood at KGS 35/kg (~€0.39/kg), while melons averaged KGS 70/kg (~€0.77/kg), according to Abdulaziz Ajymametov, Head of the Food Security Department at the Ministry of Agriculture, in an interview.
Ajymametov noted that last year's watermelon prices fell below production costs. With limited export opportunities and a high influx of imported melons, local farmers were forced to sell at KGS 5–6/kg (~€0.055–€0.066/kg), incurring losses.
Two weeks ago, supermarket prices ranged between KGS 15–20/kg (~€0.17–€0.22/kg). Now, prices have reached or slightly exceeded cost levels, giving producers a chance to earn a profit. He stressed that the price rise is not due to middlemen or shortages.
Harvest volumes remain in line with previous years. In 2024, Kyrgyzstan's gross watermelon harvest totaled 280,900 tonnes, while as of July 2025, production had reached 195,300 tonnes. By year-end, output is expected to match last year's levels.
Until July, Kyrgyzstan imports watermelons from Uzbekistan before domestic production begins. Once local melons enter the market, they generally outcompete imports. Exports mainly target Russia and Kazakhstan.
According to Uzbekistan's National Statistics Committee, Kyrgyzstan imported 19,000 tonnes of Uzbek watermelons between January and June 2025.
Source: www.tazabek.kg