"Secrets to a Successful farm garden: Bank Kompanion's Agro-Training in the Jalal-Abad Region"

As part of its expert support for agriculture and ecological initiatives, Bank Kompanion conducted an agro-training in the Aksy District of the Jalal-Abad region. The training took place across four localities and gathered over 60 participants, including farmers, orchard owners, and local residents.

The main focus of the training was sustainable agricultural development and methods for increasing crop yields while considering ecological factors. One of the most discussed topics was the importance of bees in the ecosystem of orchards.

Why are bees so important?

Bees are not just insects; they are hard workers that play a crucial role in pollinating plants. For rural orchards, this is of great significance, as effective pollination impacts not only the quantity of fruits but also their quality. Training participants learned that proper care for bees can significantly increase yields and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.

Special attention was given to practical advice for local orchardists. The initiative group from the village of Kashka-Suu shared a simple yet effective method for attracting bees. The idea is as follows: a few days before trees begin to bloom, dissolve 1 kg of sugar in 10 liters of water and spray it over the orchards. This attracts bees and other pollinating insects, which increases their presence on the trees during the flowering period.

"This training was very useful for me. We always knew that bees are important, but now I understand how to actively attract them to the orchards to increase yields. I will definitely apply these tips in my work and share them with my neighbors."
— Asanbek Kalykov, orchard owner, Kashka-Suu village.

Sustainable Agriculture: The Key to a Successful Future

In addition, other aspects of sustainable agriculture were discussed during the training. Emphasis was placed on agronomic methods for improving soil fertility, the proper use of water, and organic pest control methods. Experts' advice helped participants realize the importance of transitioning to environmentally-friendly agriculture, which not only brings economic benefits but also preserves the health of the environment.

Bank Kompanion’s Contribution to Regional Development

For over 20 years, Bank Kompanion has been actively supporting regional farmers through various educational and consulting programs. The training in Aksy was another step towards strengthening ties with local agricultural producers and fostering sustainable agribusiness. The bank understands the importance of supporting small and medium-sized farms, as they are the foundation of rural economies.

Such events not only help increase local knowledge but also strengthen the relationship between the bank and entrepreneurs. Bank Kompanion will continue to hold similar training sessions and consultations to support producers in their efforts to grow and develop sustainably.

The Aksy training is another step toward greater collaboration and teamwork, which will bear fruit not only in the form of good harvests but also in ecological harmony with nature.

By investing in the future, we create opportunities for today!

Practical Knowledge in Action: Bank Kompanion Holds Livestock Weight Measurement Training in Kara-Dyykan Village

Animal husbandry remains one of the main sources of income for rural communities in Kyrgyzstan. Especially in the regions, livestock farming is not just a way of life — it is the economic backbone of many families. That is why Bank Kompanion continues to conduct educational trainings for farmers across the country. One such hands-on seminar recently took place in Kara-Dyykan village of Uzgen district, Osh region.

Mornings in the village begin early, even before sunrise. At 6:00 a.m., after milking, locals take their cows out to pasture. Each family owns its own cow, but villagers join together to form a common herd called a “bada”, supervised by a single herder. Among them are families of labor migrants, actively engaged in small-scale farming and highly motivated to improve livestock productivity. Bank Kompanion’s regional managers organized a training group specifically for them and conducted a practical workshop on how to measure the live weight of livestock.

What did participants learn?

• How to measure a cow’s live weight without using a scale;

• How weight changes depending on pasture access and feeding quality;

• Why proper nutrition directly impacts productivity and animal health.

Why does it matter?

Understanding an animal’s live weight helps to:

• Accurately assess productivity;

• Adjust feeding strategies and identify nutritional deficiencies;

• Sell livestock at a fair price based on weight;

• Keep records and plan household business development.

Our mission is not only to be a financial partner, but also a reliable source of knowledge and support for local businesses. Supporting migrant families, livestock owners and smallholder farmers through training and access to modern agricultural methods is at the core of our regional sustainable development program.

If you’d like to take part in similar trainings, please visit your nearest Bank Kompanion office or contact our regional managers.

Kompanion Bank Team Conducts Financial Literacy and Eco-Gardening Training for Migrant Families in Besh-Terek Village

Kompanion Bank team organized a capacity-building training for migrant families in Besh-Terek village, located in the Moscow district of Chui region (Tört-Gül aiyl okmotu). The training focused on two key areas: Financial Literacy and Eco-Gardening.

The event brought together families who are eager to strengthen their financial management skills and explore sustainable practices in home gardening and household maintenance.

Training Objectives:

The program aimed to equip participants with practical tools to:

- better understand the fundamentals of budgeting and financial planning;

- learn how to manage family income and expenses effectively;

- explore ways to develop small-scale, environmentally-friendly gardening initiatives at home.

The training combined both theoretical and hands-on modules. A particularly engaging segment was the eco-gardening session, where participants discussed how to grow fruits and vegetables using minimal chemicals while preserving soil fertility and biodiversity.

Organizer’s Statement:

“We believe that our role goes beyond providing financial services — it includes sharing knowledge that strengthens the resilience of families, especially in rural areas. Financial literacy and environmental responsibility are the cornerstones of a secure and sustainable future,” — noted representatives of Kompanion Bank.

Supporting Migrant Families:

Migrant families often face unique economic challenges and limited access to educational resources. Supporting them through knowledge-sharing initiatives is a key priority for Kompanion Bank.

This training is part of the bank’s broader commitment to community development and sustainable rural progress. By empowering vulnerable groups with practical knowledge and tools, Kompanion Bank contributes to building stronger, more self-reliant communities — both within Kyrgyzstan and beyond its borders.

Financial Safety and Apple Trees: What We Discussed in the Village of Sogundu

The Bank Kompanion team recently visited the village of Sogundu in the Alay district, where we held a community training at Bunisa Arzieva Kindergarten No. 11.

Sogundu, surrounded by mountains and evergreen trees, is located 20 km from Gulcha. The kindergarten, built in the 1980s, welcomes 50–55 children daily. A dedicated team of 12 staff members not only educates the children but also actively cares for the space where they live and work. On the day of our training, the staff was repairing the playground with their own hands.

As always, we came not only to deliver a training but also to share practical knowledge that helps people live and work better.

How to Ensure Apple Trees Bear Fruit Every Year

One part of the training focused on agriculture and veterinary care. Using the apple trees near the kindergarten, we explained and demonstrated the importance of thinning apples correctly, especially in June during natural fruit drop. Residents asked practical questions:

– Why does an apple tree that is 6–7 years old still not bear fruit?
– Why are there many blossoms but little harvest?

We shared practical advice and actionable tips so that each participant could apply this knowledge in their gardens and achieve consistent yields.

We also touched on livestock care, discussing simple yet important criteria for selecting dairy cows that are often overlooked.

Agents: A Small Bank Within the Village

Our managers explained the services that can be accessed through Bank Kompanion agents right within the village, such as cash withdrawals, opening deposits, and applying for online loans. For many residents, it was eye-opening to learn that having an agent in the village means they can manage their finances without having to travel to the district center.

Why We Do This

For us at Bank Kompanion, these trainings are not only about sharing knowledge but also about building trust and fostering growth together. We see how important it is for rural communities to have access to information, tools, and opportunities that make life more convenient and secure.

Together, we learn and grow, creating a future where every child, every family, and every entrepreneur can thrive while preserving their roots and traditions.

Growing Together, Learning Together

For the team at Bank Kompanion, these trips are more than just training sessions. They are an opportunity to work side by side, listen closely, understand people’s needs, and share knowledge in a clear and accessible way. They are a chance to learn from each other and to build spaces for growth—where children play, gardens bloom, and life becomes a little easier and safer.

We believe that financial literacy and access to services are the foundation for the sustainable development of villages and regions, and we are honored to be part of this journey.

    For the city we live in. Bank Kompanion.

    Cleanliness in the city starts with simple things — a convenient bin near your home, a tidy courtyard, respect for your neighbors and shared spaces. For a city of over a million, these things matter even more.

    At the initiative of Bank Kompanion and in partnership with the municipal enterprise “Tazalyk,” a new corporate social responsibility project has been launched: the first batch of waste containers has been donated to the city of Bishkek.

    The distribution of bins is carried out in collaboration with the city hall — to places where they are truly needed.

    This project is about respect — for the city we live in, and for those who need support.

    “For us, being close means more than just financial assistance. Being helpful also means caring for the environment and finding simple solutions that make everyday life more dignified. We envision Bishkek as a city where comfort is accessible to everyone,” noted the Bank’s Sustainable Development Department.

    This project is part of Bank Kompanion’s broader program focused on ecology, sustainability, and targeted aid in both the capital and the regions.

    We believe: small actions create big change — especially when done together.

•     reducing ecological footprint;
•  promoting sustainable habits among staff;

Bank Kompanion’s Green Contribution to Childhood

The Karakol branch of Bank Kompanion has implemented a large-scale environmental and social initiative to green the areas surrounding preschools in the villages of Issyk-Kul Region. The project is aimed at improving children’s health, developing gardening skills, and strengthening ties with local communities.

Currants and Apricots as an Investment in the Future

As part of the initiative, kindergartens in the Jeti-Oguz, Tyup, and Ak-Suu districts received:

• 400 currant bushes,

• 384 fruit tree saplings.

These plantings became not only a beautiful addition to the playgrounds but also a future source of natural vitamins for children — in the form of fresh fruit, jam, and compote.

“We were happy to take part in the project. The children are excited to see how the trees grow and help take care of them. We believe that in just a few years, we’ll have our own eco-friendly fruit garden,” said a preschool representative in the village of Darkhan, Issyk-Kul Region.

A Partnership That Works

The project was implemented by the Karakol branch of Bank Kompanion with the support of local nurseries and municipal authorities. The branch also covered the logistics and transportation costs. Training on how to care for the plants was provided with the help of the bank’s business development specialists.

“It’s important that we didn’t just plant trees — we shared knowledge on how these plants can become a source of additional income,” said Bank Kompanion’s business trainer, Omurbek Chynybaev.

ESG in Action

This initiative reflects Bank Kompanion’s focus on the ESG approach: environmental protection, social responsibility, and community engagement.

“We believe that working with children and their environment is an investment in a healthier, more responsible future. This project shows how a bank can be part of ecological and social transformation at the local level,” noted the Karakol branch team.

About the Program

Bank Kompanion regularly carries out CSR projects throughout the country — from supporting sports schools to helping digitize healthcare facilities. The greening of kindergartens in Issyk-Kul Region is another step toward sustainable regional development.