Featured image: Zhenishbek Shuguraliev
Centralasiengrupperna’s project with El-Too targets rural communities of Naryn and Issyk-Kul regions in Kyrgyzstan. By promoting permaculture principles, we support farmers in finding innovative ways to adapt to climate change, create sustainable livelihoods, achieve food sovereignty, and enjoy healthier, more varied diets.
Zhenishbek Shuguraliev shares his experiences of being part of the initiative, highlighting how permaculture has impacted his life and garden.
Zhenishbek, from the village of Uchkun in the Naryn region, is someone who actively applies permaculture principles in agriculture. He is an inspiring example of how dedication and permaculture can transform a garden, improve family well-being, and motivate others in the community.
When Zhenishbek first started farming, he decided to plant apple and apricot trees on 1.5 hectares of land. At that time, he planted about 300-400 seedlings with high expectations. However, it soon became clear that the soil quality in his region was unsuitable for continuous cultivation of these crops. The trees were getting weaker every year and the harvest was getting smaller and smaller.
“We planted trees and hoped for a good harvest, but our soil was just not right for it. Year after year, the seedlings died. This became a big disappointment for us” recalls Zhenishbek.
Attempts to continue with traditional gardening methods also failed, forcing him to look for new approaches.
A key moment in his farming activities was the cooperation with El-Too, which started five years ago. Zhenishbek received training, learned about soil composition and introduced new technologies, such as the use of biohumus and drip irrigation. Especially valuable for him was his experience with biohumus. The family learned how to produce it themselves and use it to improve soil quality.
“I have been cooperating with El-Too for 5 years. Thanks to their help, we learned how to analyze the soil and understand how to enrich it. Now we have a 20 acre garden where my family and I grow different crops according to permaculture principles. This brings an excellent harvest. My garden has changed a lot. Earlier it was in neglect because of water shortage and lack of knowledge. Learning about permaculture has breathed new life into it, making the garden not only a source of inspiration but also a real benefit to our family by allowing us to grow organic food ” shares Zhenishbek.
Neighbors and friends often come to see Zhenishbek’s garden and learn its secrets. He is enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge and helping others get started with permaculture.
“There has been a lot of interest in my garden among my friends and neighbors. Many came to see the crops we had grown and were pleasantly surprised. They did not expect that in the Naryn region, with its mountainous climate, it is possible to grow such plants. In spring, my friend, inspired by our work, decided to plant watermelons. Surprisingly, they grew well and the ripe fruits reached a weight of about 3 kilograms. These watermelons turned out to be incredibly delicious, juicy, with a deep red color, their taste reminded us of sweet moments from our childhood. Now, in 2025, we are confident that if the state supports watermelon cultivation, it can create jobs in our village and benefit the whole community” says Zhenishbek
In 2024, El-Too actively worked towards training and exchange of experience among farmers from 14 communities. This included training on branding, marketing of local products and organic certification, as well as training of farmers to participate in regional and national organic fairs aimed at the sale of organic products. In addition, exchange visits were organized on topics such as climate change adaptation, permaculture design, perennial plant cultivation, branding, biodiversity in permaculture, digital solutions in agro, biogas production and eco-building.
“We didn’t know a lot about how to properly market our products, but the trainings and master classes organized within the project became a real school for me. The experience gained from visiting other farms and enterprises was incredibly valuable. The knowledge gained has given us many ideas that we can now implement in our permaculture garden. Participation in the Organic Expo fair and forum in Bishkek was a special event for us. We not only sold products, but also familiarized ourselves with the achievements of other farmers. We especially remembered the moment when our tomatoes grown in Naryn surprised the buyers and were completely sold out by the end of the day” says Zhenishbek proudly.
He concludes by adding “I would advise farmers who are thinking of moving to permaculture not to hesitate for too long. If you hesitate, your thoughts will start going in different directions and you will miss the opportunity. Just start and you will see your land and your life start to change”.