Watermelons and melons market in Kyrgyzstan

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh watermelons and melons in Kyrgyzstan grew from 226.0 thousand tons in 2018 to 249.2 thousand tons in 2020. This expansion was supported by state-led initiatives, including the establishment of dedicated trading sites across the country to assist domestic farmers with sales and distribution. In 2020, active trading and increased supply contributed to the market's peak volume. However, a downward trend in domestic food self-sufficiency led to a significant contraction in 2021, with the market size falling to 203.3 thousand tons.

From 2022 onward, regulatory measures intensified. Authorities strengthened phytosanitary controls on imported watermelons and melons, conducted laboratory checks for nitrates and pesticides, and banned unauthorized street vending in cities like Osh. Simultaneously, the government facilitated export logistics to Russia and Kazakhstan and continued to prepare specialized trading areas. These efforts coincided with a market recovery to 219.8 thousand tons in 2022 and further growth to 246.1 thousand tons in 2023, driven partly by rising imports. In 2024 and 2025, regulatory focus continued on import quality controls, mandatory product labeling and certification, and support for domestic sales channels.

Production watermelons and melons in Kyrgyzstan

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2018-2021

World map of production of watermelons and melons, 2018-2021

Kyrgyzstan's production of watermelons and melons declined after two years of growth. In 2021, the country produced 193.8 thousand tons, marking a significant 17.0% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production fell by 11.1%, with an average annual decline of 3.9%. The peak was reached in 2020 at 233.5 thousand tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 6.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Kyrgyzstan in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports watermelons and melons from Kyrgyzstan

Exports in kind, t

Kyrgyzstan's exports of watermelons and melons have grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, shipments abroad totaled 12 147 tons, representing a sharp 89.6% year-on-year increase. From 2018 to 2021, exports surged by 5 339.4%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 278.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Kyrgyzstan in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Russia accounted for 71.9% of Kyrgyzstan's total watermelon and melon exports by volume, with the remaining share distributed among a variety of smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Kyrgyzstan in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Kyrgyzstan's watermelon and melon exports in value terms have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 974 thousand US dollars, up 49.9% from the prior year. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value increased by 1 838.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 168.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Kyrgyzstan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Russia and Kazakhstan were the primary markets for Kyrgyzstan's watermelon and melon exports in value, together making up 92.5% of total flows, while other destinations held relatively small shares.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Kyrgyzstan in value, 2018-2021

Imports watermelons and melons to Kyrgyzstan

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.7-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Kyrgyzstan imported 21 673 tons of watermelons and melons, a slight 2.0% decrease from the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2020 at 22 112 tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 131.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Kyrgyzstan in kind, 2018-2021, t

During 2018-2021, Uzbekistan dominated Kyrgyzstan's watermelon and melon imports by volume, holding a 74.8% share of total flows, with other partners contributing relatively minor portions.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Kyrgyzstan in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

The data indicates irregular changes, reflecting market volatility. Imports hit their lowest in 2019 and peaked in 2021, with a 5.2-fold variation between these years. In 2021, Kyrgyzstan's watermelon and melon imports amounted to 16 530 thousand US dollars, a substantial 195.3% increase from a year earlier. The minimum value was 3 186 thousand US dollars in 2019, which also experienced the largest annual decline of 18.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Kyrgyzstan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan combined accounted for 96.2% of Kyrgyzstan's total watermelon and melon imports in value terms, with the remainder spread thinly across other markets.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Kyrgyzstan in value, 2018-2021