USAID advises Turkmen farmers on increasing yields
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), as part of the project on competitiveness, trade and job creation in Central Asia, is assisting Turkmen agronomists in increasing potato yields in local conditions.
Together with specialist of Uzbekistan Durbek Halikov Turkmen potato growers make trips to the fields to learn in practice the potatoes growing technology in arid regions, innovative methods for improving seed stock.
- Agriculture is one of the key foundations for creating a strong economy in the country. I myself grew up in a small town specializing in agriculture, US Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan Matthew Klimow said, addressing the participants. - I am particularly attracted by people who cultivate the land and are not afraid of getting their hands dirty, farmers who understand the difficulty of growing crops in arid regions. Therefore, if you ever meet me in your land plots, do not be surprised!
- Our main goal is to help farmers increase potato yield and the quality of their products so that they can then test their products in laboratories and obtain an international certificate for exporting them. There is an interest in the world for Turkmen products, Ms Misher Kaivas, USAID Director for Turkmenistan said in an interview. - The Company Ter önüm began to export melons to Austria. Why not do the same with Turkmen potatoes and other products?
According to the Uzbek expert, Turkmen potato growers have every chance to enter the world markets since when potatoes are just planted in Europe or Russia, crops are already harvested in Turkmenistan.
Aina BERDIYEVA
