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MIGRANT FAMILIES LEARN NEW AGRO-PRACTICES: TRAINING BY KOMPANION BANK, IFAD AND THE EUROPEAN UNION

September 2025, Osh region, Kyrgyzstan

In September, a training on modern agricultural and veterinary practices was held in Uzgen district, Osh region, for migrant families and rural residents. The event was part of the component“Expanding access to entrepreneurial skills for remittance recipients and returnee migrants.” Its purpose is to support rural businesses through training and agribusiness capacity building.

The organizer was Kompanion Bank, with the support of IFAD — the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the European Union.

The EU was represented by Cosimo Lamberti Fossati, Programme Manager, European Commission DG INTPA, Delegation of the EU to the Kyrgyz Republic. From IFAD, Nurgul Torobaeva, National Coordinator of the REMIT PRIME Central Asia programme, participated. The training was held within the project Kyrgyz REMIT: Digital access to remittances in rural areas, implemented under REMIT PRIME Central Asia, co-financed by the EU.

The project aims to transform migrant remittances from a simple means of family support into a tool for the sustainable development of rural regions of Kyrgyzstan. To achieve this, digital channels for international transfers are being introduced, new services in mobile applications are being developed, and personalized financial products are created.

Education is another key focus. The programme includes two main types of training: financial and digital literacy and agricultural training. These help migrants, their families in Kyrgyzstan, and returnees to better manage finances, invest in education, health, and business development, while also applying agro-practices to increase farm productivity.

The topic of this session was “Breeding and selection of dairy cattle.” Participants gained practical knowledge about cattle breeds, their productivity, and criteria for selecting animals suitable for dairy farming.

Special attention was given to the demonstration part. This format made the training highly visual: participants not only listened to lectures but also saw with their own eyes how to apply knowledge in practice. This is especially important for regions where each decision — to buy a cow, invest in feed, or start breeding — directly affects a family’s income.

Kompanion Bank, IFAD, and the EU support migrants abroad, their families in Kyrgyzstan, and returnees in using digital products, remittances, and knowledge not just for everyday needs but as a foundation for education, health, farm development, and job creation. Such programmes make rural families financially resilient and entire villages growth points for a sustainable future.

Background information

About Kompanion Bank:
Kompanion Bank is one of the largest financial institutions in Kyrgyzstan, a member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV). The Bank provides digital solutions, products for small and medium-sized businesses, and actively supports regional initiatives and community development projects.

About IFAD:
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a specialized UN agency working in more than 100 countries. IFAD invests in projects that help rural people overcome poverty, develop sustainable agriculture, and increase incomes.

About the European Union:
The EU is a strategic partner for Kyrgyzstan in sustainable development and regional initiatives. DG INTPA (Directorate-General for International Partnerships) supports projects aimed at reducing poverty, enhancing financial inclusion, and developing rural areas.