Plants uprooted and smuggled abroad despite moratorium in Kyrgyzstan

12:31, 04 марта 2026, Bishkek - 24.kg news agency , Anastasia BENGARD

Azat Sagynov, deputy head of the Environmental and Technical Supervision Service under the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic, reminded on Birinchi Radio about a temporary ban (moratorium) on the use of certain plant species in Kyrgyzstan until January 1, 2027.

According to him, the Cabinet of Ministers adopted resolution No. 270 on May 28, 2024.

The ban applies to the following plant species: macrotomia, arnebia, dictamnus (burning bush), aconite, Aflatun onion, rhodiola, Samarkand immortelle, Olga’s bugle, long-styled bugle, styled bugle, and Chimgan bugle.

The moratorium prohibits:

  • harvesting and processing;
  • buying and selling;
  • transporting and using;
  • exporting these plants outside the country.

«For example, macrotomia (endik) is mainly collected in the southern part of the republic, in Toktogul district. Illegal harvesting mostly takes place in mountainous areas. The plants are smuggled abroad and sold. They are used for medicinal, cosmetic, and other purposes. Our regional inspectors regularly conduct raids in the mountains to prevent illegal collection of technical plants. They are uprooted, causing damage to plant life,» Azat Sagynov said.

He noted that inspections are carried out continuously, around the clock, and promptly.