In 2000-2002 I undertook 12 support missions to assist Kyrgysh farmers in creating the Naukat Seed Potato Cooperative. My tasks were organisation development, business planning, credit supply to members (via a MFI) and marketing. A strong and sustainable seed potato cooperative was formed with 250 small farmers that provides members acces to inputs and markets. Due to its very strong quality control mechanism, it has the best seed potatoes in Central Asia. It sold these, among others to the World Bank and neighbouring countries. I wrote a paper on this experience: The balancing act of creating a cooperative.
