The agriculture sector is a staple of Turkmenistan’s economy and food security, making up around 12 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP). Agriculture provides food and raw materials for agro-industries is key to the maintenance of sustainable food systems and economic stability, with cotton and cereal crops both playing a central role. Turkmenistan is […]
Central Asia – Agriculture Afresh – Part Nine
nCa Report Now we move to some new ideas that just might give some boost to the agriculture sector in Central Asia. The region is already familiar with Hydroponics. Today we are presenting a short report on Aeroponics and its suitability for Central Asia. This report has been produced in interactive mode with AI. What […]
Central Asia – Agriculture Afresh – Part Eight
nCa Report Here are the slides from the presentation by Nicola Randall and Simon Jeffery: /// nCa, 8 April 2025 (to be continued . . .)
Central Asia – Agriculture Afresh – Part Seven
nCa Report Another useful and informative presentation was by Professor Lindsay C Stringer University of York, UK. Here are the slides from his presentation: /// nCa, 4 April 2025 (to be continued . . .)
Europe and Central Asia: Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2024 – Managing Water Resources Sustainably for Improved Food Security and Nutrition
If the people of Europe and Central Asia are to have food on their plates, they must have water security. Moreover, water security is a catalyst for transforming the food and agriculture sectors of the region to become more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable. Therefore, sustainable water management practices are a prerequisite for farmers’ resilience […]
Central Asia – Agriculture Afresh – Part Six
nCa Report During the screening event of the film Six inches of Soil on Ashgabat, there were some presentations and speeches. One of the presentations was by Prof Bob Doherty (Dean of School for Business and Society, University of York and Principal Investigator of the FixOurFood Research Programme). Here are the slides from his presentation: […]
Central Asia – Agriculture Afresh – Part Five
nCa Report Agroecology in Central Asia: Principles, Benefits, and Practical Implementation Introduction Agroecology is an interdisciplinary approach that integrates ecological principles into agricultural practices to create sustainable food systems. It seeks to balance productivity with environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic viability. In the context of Central Asia—a region characterized by its diverse landscapes, fragile […]
Central Asia – Agriculture Afresh – Part Four
nCa Report Regenerative Farming: Healing the Land and Securing Our Future Regenerative farming represents a transformative approach to agriculture that seeks to restore and enhance the health of the soil, ecosystems, and communities. Unlike conventional methods that often deplete natural resources, regenerative farming works in harmony with nature to create a sustainable and resilient food […]
Central Asia – Agriculture Afresh – Part Three
nCa Report In the previous part of this series, we give brief information about the companion book of the film Six Inches of Soil. Now, we are back to the film. Here are some reviews from imdb about the film: nkrhkj Credible, beautiful and hopeful This is a very important film about our soil and […]
Urea Report
nCa-AI Collaborative Report Urea was first discovered in 1773 by French chemist Hilaire Rouelle, who isolated it from urine. However, it wasn’t until 1828 that Friedrich Wöhler, a German chemist, synthesized urea artificially from inorganic compounds. This was a groundbreaking achievement as it was the first time an organic compound had been synthesized from inorganic […]
Central Asia – Agriculture Afresh – Part Two
nCa Report Six Inches of Soil is a film screened recently in Ashgabat. There is also a companion book of the same name, documenting the inspiring story of British farmers standing up to the industrial food system and transforming the way they produce food – to heal the soil, benefit our health and provide for […]
Central Asia – Agriculture Afresh – Part One
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova “Despite all our accomplishments, we owe our existence to a six-inch layer of topsoil and the fact it rains,” said the U.S. radio broadcaster, Paul Harvey in 1978. Yes, just six inches of soil. This is the thin layer between our existence and non-existence. The inspiring British film ‘Six Inches […]
Introduction of GIS technologies in Turkmenistan: Innovations for sustainable development of agriculture and economy
Turkmenistan is one of the largest countries in Central Asia, occupying the second largest territory in the region. However, almost 80% of its area is occupied by the endless sands of Karakum, and only 20% of the remaining land is suitable for efficient use. In the context of such natural and climatic features, the rational […]
Turkmenistan Boosts Agricultural Exports
An analysis of customs statistics for 2024 indicates a significant increase in the export of goods from Turkmenistan. Notably, there has been a substantial rise in the supply of agricultural products, which holds a leading position in the country’s export structure. One of the key export products has been greenhouse tomatoes. During the reporting period, […]
Round Table in Ashgabat focused on the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan
The International Science and Technology Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan hosted a round table dedicated to the presentation of Turkmenistan’s National Adaptation Plan to Climate Change and a Roadmap for its implementation. This document was developed within the framework of the country’s international obligations under the Paris Agreement and is the result […]
Boosting Animal Husbandry in Turkmenistan: the role of the Scientific and Production Center of the Turkmen Agricultural University
Animal husbandry is a key branch of the agricultural complex of Turkmenistan. Currently, Turkmenistan has a wide livestock production base that meets the needs of the population and various sectors of the national economy, including the food and light industries. To further enhance this vital sector, a strong scientific foundation is crucial. In this regard, […]
FAO: Turkmenistan embraces advanced remote sensing technology for enhanced crop monitoring
Although agriculture in Turkmenistan has a modest share of the gross domestic product (GDP), the sector holds strategic importance, as a significant portion of the population lives in rural areas and over 40 percent of the workforce is employed in agriculture. To ensure sustainable management of land resources and increase the productivity of agricultural production, […]
Agro-bridge between the Netherlands and Turkmenistan: a visit that builds trust
As part of the strengthening of bilateral economic ties between Turkmenistan and the Netherlands, a delegation of six leading Dutch agro-industrial companies led by East-West Trade visited Turkmenistan. The purpose of the mission was to develop cooperation in the agro-industrial sector, exchange advanced technologies and expand partnerships. East-West Trade, a leading Dutch company specializing in […]
Palvan Soyunov: A life dedicated to gardening and olives
Palvan Soyunov is a well-known Turkmen scientist and specialist in the field of horticulture, who devoted his life to the study and development of this industry. Born in Etrek, Western Turkmenistan, Soyunov pursued his education at the Turkmen Agricultural Institute, graduating in 1977 with a specialization in fruit growing, horticulture, and viticulture. He developed a […]
New varieties of cotton introduced in the north of Turkmenistan
Work continues on developing new cotton varieties in Turkmenistan. Last year, production trials of “Dashoguz-150,” a new medium-fiber cotton variety, were conducted in Dashoguz province, as reported by the online newspaper “Turkmenistan: The Golden Age.” Developed by Ch. Seyitmuradov, Head of the Dashoguz Velayat Department of Cotton Breeding and Seed Production at the Ministry of […]
Achievements of the Agro-industrial Complex of Turkmenistan in 2024
The reform of the agricultural sector in Turkmenistan continues as outlined in the “Program of Socio-economic Development of the Country in 2022-2028” and the Program “Revival of a New Era of a Powerful State: The National Program of Socio-economic Development of Turkmenistan in 2022-2052.” 2024 marked another significant step towards strengthening agricultural production, ensuring the […]
How to Grow Crops in the Desert: The Success Secrets of a Turkmen Farmer
The state policy aimed at supporting small and medium-sized businesses in Turkmenistan, including agribusiness, is bearing fruit. A striking example of this is the story of Batyr Roziyev, a farmer from the Kerki district of the Lebap province. Thanks to the favorable conditions created by the government, he was able to turn a small farm […]
Dutch Business Mission Explores Agribusiness Opportunities in Turkmenistan
A small trade delegation from the Netherlands, organized by East West Trade & Consulting, visited Turkmenistan from 2-6 December. The delegation comprised representatives from five companies: Agrotech Didam, Dalsem, Geerlofs, HZPC, and Kubo, specializing in greenhouse construction, refrigeration systems, and potato cultivation. Notably, three of these companies previously showcased their expertise at the Dutch pavilion […]
Turkmenistan and Malaysia explore agricultural cooperation
Malaysia and Turkmenistan will explore potential cooperation in agricultural technology, water resources management, research and development and capacity building. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) in a statement announced that the matter was discussed when the Deputy Minister concerned, Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup, received a courtesy call from Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet […]
Recommendations for Replicating and Scaling Local Adaptation Practices in Water and Agriculture in Turkmenistan
UNDP Turkmenistan has published a report, “Recommendations for Replicating and Scaling Local Adaptation Practices in Water and Agriculture in Turkmenistan”, now available on the UNDP Turkmenistan website” www.undp.org/turkmenistan/publications This report thoroughly documents local adaptation practices of agricultural communities across different geographic zones in Turkmenistan and provides recommendations for replicating and scaling these practices nationwide. The main focus […]
The President of Mongolia made first-ever state visit to Turkmenistan – Agreements on transport, agriculture and tourism inked – Joint Statement on Interstate relations and Cooperation adopted
On 10-13 October 2024, President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa paid a state visit to Turkmenistan. This is the first state visit of the head of Mongolia to Turkmenistan since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on 23 April 1992, On October 12, high-level talks were held in Ashgabat between President Serdar Berdimuhamedov […]
The National Leader of the Turkmen people met with the President for the development of strategic partnership in Central Asia of the company “John Deere”
On Thursday, 26 September, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with the President for the development of strategic partnership in Central Asia of the company “John Deere” Csaba Lejko . During discussions on future cooperation, it was highlighted that agriculture is a cornerstone of Turkmenistan’s economy. […]
Kazakhstan will replace subsidies for agriculture sector with easy credits, other measures
At the start of the 33rd session of the parliament of Kazakhstan, President Tokayev has asked for some bold measures to uplift the agriculture sector. Here is the relevant portion of his address to the lawmakers : An extremely important task is to attract investment to the agro-industrial complex. Despite the consequences of the floods, […]
Ongoing rehabilitation of Karakalpakstan is a success story from Uzbekistan, mitigating Aral Sea disaster impact
Karakalpakstan is an autonomous region of Uzbekistan, bordering with Turkmenistan. It was a thriving region in the 1970s, when irrigation from the Amu Darya was being expanded. However, the evaporation of the Aral Sea has made Karakalpakstan one of Uzbekistan’s poorest regions. Karakalpakstan has an area of 166,590 km2 (64,320 sq mi), and has a […]
UNDP Turkmenistan Report: Risks from Climate Change for Water and Agriculture in Turkmenistan
The UNDP Turkmenistan has issued a report ‘Risks from Climate Change for Water and Agriculture in Turkmenistan.’ It was prepared with the aim of creating an evidence base to strengthen adaptation planning in the water sector, while also including a detailed analysis of the vulnerabilities of various groups (women, children, young people, and people with […]
Kazakhstan and Türkiye sign documents worth more than USD 2 billion during visit of agriculture minister of Kazakhstan to Türkiye
The Minister of Agriculture Kazakhstan, Aidarbek Saparov, visited Türkiye recently. His visit led to the signing of bilateral documents worth more than USD 2 billion. During the meeting at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ankara, the parties signed documents worth $2 billion and trade contracts for the supply of meat worth $80 million. […]
Solar-powered drip irrigation system is a viable option for Central Asia
nCa Report Economization of water using the freely available solar energy – the idea is neat and very practicable. Just the thing Central Asia needs. The EU and the UNDP, working together with the government of Uzbekistan, have introduced a drip irrigation system in the Akkurgan district of the Tashkent region, a region known for […]
Central Asia-Japan Joint business forum held in Astana – Turkmenistan and Japan inked a package of deals
On 9 August 2024, a business forum of the Central Asia + Japan Dialogue was held in Astana. The event was organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, the Japanese Association for Trade with Russia and NIS (ROTOBO), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kazakh Invest, the […]
Dutch companies to make a return agricultural mission to Turkmenistan
The Turkmenistan Ambassador to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, met with Mohammad Reza Mashadi, Managing Director of the reputable international organization East-West Trade, which provides assistance to Dutch companies in the development of trade and international business in the agricultural sector. The meeting was also attended by former Dutch Ambassador to Kazakhstan Peter van Leeuwen, who is […]
Turkmenistan Sees Watermelon Export Boom
Turkmenistan is experiencing a surge in watermelon exports amid a bountiful melon harvest season. The country’s State Customs Service reports that watermelons and melons have become the primary agricultural exports in 2024. Export figures are staggering. In January-July period of 2024, watermelon exports have increased 10 times compared to the total volume of exports for […]
ADB and FutureWater hold Initial Discussions on Climate Adaptation Project in Turkmenistan
Early July, an Asian Development Bank (ADB) delegation and FutureWater visited Ashgabat for meetings and consultations with specialists from Turkmenistan’s Ministries of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, as well as the State Committee of Water Resources. The goal was to establish scientific and practical cooperation for a new climate adaptation-focused project. The proposed project focuses on […]
Turkmenistan, FAO Discuss Project to Bolster Ecosystems and Agriculture
An interdepartmental meeting in the hybrid format in Ashgabat brought together representatives from Turkmenistan’s environmental and agricultural sectors, scientific institutions, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper reports. The meeting focused on developing a joint action plan for an FAO sub-project. This project aims to support ecosystems and promote natural solutions in […]
There is need to remove stigma from genetically modified crops
nCa Report The genetically modified crops are victims by association. They get bad publicity merely because ‘genetically modified’ is attached to their name. This is the time for reality check. — We cannot lament the world hunger while simultaneously encouraging revulsion against the genetically modified crops. There is the need to remove this unjustifiable stigma […]
The fate of pastures in Central Asia
The pastures are the backbone of livestock economy in Central Asia. The rational access to them and the robust system to maintain them is a joint responsibility of the government and the farming community. The countries in Central Asia, as a rule, cooperate with each other and share their knowledge. This is one of the […]
Turkmenistan and ADB Team Up for Greener Agriculture Project
Representatives from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), including climate specialist Leo Chris Palao and consultant Johannes Kunink, recently held a series of consultative meetings with environmental management and agriculture specialists in Ashgabat. Employees from the ADB’s Ashgabat office also participated in the final meeting, according to the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper. These meetings focused on developing […]
UNDP and IOM organized a working meeting on rational water use in Turkmenistan amid changing climate conditions
The UNDP/GCF project “Developing a National Adaptation Planning Process in Turkmenistan” in cooperation with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan and the IOM project “Mainstreaming the Migration, Environment and Climate Change Nexus into Climate-Related National Planning Processes” organized a working meeting between representatives of the governmental, private sector and civil society of Turkmenistan on […]
Camel Breeders of Turkmenistan: Tradition Bearers and Providers of Nutritious Milk
Elena Dolgova The Arvana camel breed, widely raised in Turkmenistan, reigns supreme in milk production, even with a limited grazing diet. These remarkable animals thrive on a unique menu: salt marsh halophytes, bitter steppe wormwood, even conifers and semi-shrubs – plants of little interest to other grazing animals. In winter, they can even consume plant […]
China and Kazakhstan signed over 30 documents – Tokayev and Xi launched cargo traffic along the Trans–Caspian transport route – agreed to increase trade turnover to $ 80 billion
President Xi Jinping of China is on a state visit to Kazakhstan. On Wednesday, 3 July, the summit talks between President Xi Jinping and President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took place in Astana. Speaking at the final press briefing, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed that together with the Chinese President, he will continue to direct all efforts […]
Camel science: the experience of various countries in the field of camel breeding discussed in Ashgabat
A seminar on camel breeding was held in Ashgabat with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper reports. Co-organized by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Subregional Office, the event served as part of the UN’s International Year of Camelids. Researchers from […]
Turkmen Delegation learns about Russia’s phytosanitary system
On 10 June 2024, a group of specialists from Turkmenistan visited the All-Russian Plant Quarantine Center, a branch of Rosselkhoznadzor (Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance). During the visit, the main directions of the Institute’s activities were presented to the Turkmen specialists. Special emphasis was placed on the institute’s digitalization efforts and its use […]
Agricultural Forum of Turkmenistan held on the sidelines of Green Tech Amsterdam 2024 in the Netherlands
A dedicated session at the prestigious Green Tech Amsterdam 2024 exhibition explored exciting economic opportunities for Dutch companies in Turkmenistan’s agricultural sector. The event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from Dutch and Turkmen business circles, the Turkmen Ministry of Agriculture, the Embassy of Turkmenistan, and leading European research and financial institutions. The following speakers […]
Some practical steps in Tajikistan to save water and do so profitably
The Asia Plus news agency of Tajikistan recently had a conversation with Dr. Yarash Pulatov, a professor at the Institute of Water Problems, Hydropower and Ecology of the Academy of Sciences. For more than 25 years, Dr. Pulatov and his team have conducted research on the use of water-saving technologies. As a result, they outlined […]
Туркменские специалисты знакомятся с российскими стандартами обеспечения качества зерна
С 28 по 31 мая делегация специалистов компетентных ведомств Туркменистана пребывает в России с визитом с целью ознакомления с российской системой обеспечения карантинного фитосанитарного контроля, контроля качества и безопасности зерна, в частности, контроля остаточного содержания пестицидов, сообщает Федеральная служба по ветеринарному и фитосанитарному надзору (Россельхознадзор). В составе делегации – заведующая лаборатории отделения по исследованию пищевых […]
Balkan Businessman Experiments with Banana Cultivation
Sherip Ashyrov, an entrepreneur from Turkmenistan’s Balkan province, has achieved a first this year – a successful harvest of bananas. Two years ago, Ashyrov, based in the Kizilarvat district, embarked on an innovative project: cultivating bananas and lemons. This fresh idea resonated with the experienced farmer, who involved his family to join the venture. Together, […]
Turkmenistan and EBRD Discuss Cooperation in Energy, Transport, and More
On 14 March 2024, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with EBRD’s Vice President for Policy and Partnerships, Mark Bowman. The key topics of the discussion were the prospects for cooperation in the field of energy, green energy, transport, and agriculture. The energy sector was named as a new promising area of cooperation. The commitment of Turkmenistan, […]