LocationsHow Batken Apricots Reached Global Markets: The Story of Kurbanbek Obozov
April 17, 2025
In Batken region, the production and sale of dried apricots remain a key source of income for local communities. For generations, farmers here have dried uruk — a local variety of apricot — using traditional methods, either under the sun or by applying sulfur. However, such techniques often failed to ensure consistent quality: the fruit could overdry, become dusty or moldy, and farmers frequently lacked the capacity to process the entire harvest in time.
These challenges are well known to Kurbanbek Obozov. After years of cultivating and processing apricots, he envisioned something greater: to produce high-quality goods that could compete internationally, stimulate local enterprise, and create jobs in rural areas. This vision led to the establishment of Altyn Aymak in 2017.
Kurbanbek Obozov
“I used to dry apricots the way my ancestors did,” Kurbanbek recalls. “But the results were unpredictable—sometimes the fruit would overdry, or get covered in dust. My products didn’t meet international standards, and buyers weren’t satisfied. That’s when I started looking for ways to improve quality and expand production. It was the beginning of collaboration with projects that support better product standards and export readiness.”
Today, Altyn Aymak exports dried fruits to Europe, Turkey, and the United States. Over 200 tons of prunes are shipped annually to Turkey, and a container with 22 tons of dried apricots is dispatched to the U.S. every two months. The company’s total annual export volume exceeds 4,500 tons. As demand grows, so do the expectations for quality, product range, and packaging standards.
Through participation in the UNDP Aid for Trade project, Kurbanbek and his team gained valuable knowledge and tools that they’ve successfully applied in practice. They adopted modern, gentle drying techniques, aligned with international food safety and certification standards, and embraced marketing strategies to access global markets. The company also explored e-commerce opportunities and now sells its products via international online platforms—establishing a robust, quality-driven export system and securing reliable international buyers.
“I’ve come to understand that product quality is a crucial factor for success,” Kurbanbek shares. “Thanks to the knowledge we gained in marketing, branding, and standards, we’ve been able to access export markets and sign major contracts.”
Dried fruits
According to food safety expert Chynara Serkebaeva, Altyn Aymak has successfully implemented the HACCP food safety system and achieved ISO 22000 certification. “We worked extensively to improve production conditions, streamline business processes, and enhance the quality of raw materials and finished goods,” she says. “We developed a step-by-step plan for standards implementation and trained staff in hygiene and quality control. ISO 22000 is not just a formal requirement—it is a true confirmation of food safety and a competitive edge in the global marketplace. The company can now confidently export to countries with the most stringent import requirements.”
As part of the UNDP project, Kurbanbek also developed a business plan for producing apricot kernel oil, receiving a competitive grant to procure the necessary processing equipment.
“We now operate a zero-waste production model,” he explains. “The apricot kernels are used to produce oil, which is in high demand in the cosmetics and food industries. This not only generates additional income but also reflects our commitment to environmental sustainability.”
Kurbanbek Obozov is a vivid example of how, even in a small village, entrepreneurship—when paired with support, knowledge, and technology—can bring a local product to the international stage. With UNDP’s assistance, his story shows what’s possible.
Importantly, the initiative has created jobs, especially for women. The company employs 17 people on a permanent basis, 14 of whom are women. During the harvest season, up to 30 people are hired, 25 of them women.
The development of enterprises like Altyn Aymak is vital for Kyrgyzstan’s sustainable economic growth. With UNDP’s support, integrated value chains are being established—from farm orchards to processing, packaging, and export. This not only generates employment and improves rural livelihoods but also strengthens Kyrgyzstan’s position in the global marketplace.
The UNDP Aid for Trade initiative is now in its fifth phase, funded by the Government of Finland. This work directly supports the Export Development Programme of the Kyrgyz Republic for 2025–2028, the National Development Programme of the Kyrgyz Republic until 2026, and the Presidential Decree “On Measures for the Further Development of the Agro-Industrial Complex of the Kyrgyz Republic.” These strategic frameworks aim to enhance the competitiveness and export potential of domestic agricultural products, through modernization of the agro-industrial sector and ensuring compliance with international standards.
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