In the year designated «Independent neutral Turkmenistan – homeland of purposeful winged horses», horticulturists, dayhan leaseholders, and private producers in the Magtymguly etrap of Balkan velayat are achieving outstanding results in their work.
These days, the masters of bountiful harvests are actively gathering ripe fruit. From the very beginning of this crucial season, they have harvested hundreds of tons of fruit, which are promptly supplied fresh to markets and retail outlets across the country. The rapid pace of harvesting clearly demonstrates that local pomegranates are in high demand in both domestic and foreign markets, generating significant revenue for producers.
The creative endeavors and tireless labor of skilled gardeners in the subtropical district of the country's western region, combined with the rigorous scientific approach of experienced breeders, have brought widespread renown to local pomegranates–as well as the poetic name «Gözel Sumbaryň nary» («Pomegranates of the Beautiful Sumbar»). Foreign varieties of this fruit introduced during past research expeditions and successfully adapted to local soil and climatic conditions are also grown here. At present, cultivated pomegranate varieties are represented by an enormous diversity. At the same time, wild varieties of pomegranate trees found in a truly idyllic corner comprising the Sumbar and Chendir valleys, their mountain gorges, and the banks of the Sumbar river are listed in the Red Book of Turkmenistan.
Pomegranates grown on private plots in the villages of the Sumbar and Chendir valleys, as well as in dayhans associations of the etrap, are not only highly beneficial for health but also serve as an exquisite treat. These fruits differ from one another in their biological and agricultural characteristics: skin thickness, seed texture (ranging from soft to hard), as well as levels of sweetness and acidity and overall flavour profile. The height of the pomegranate shrub is two to three meters. Depending on the variety, the yield per plant ranges from 20 to 70 kilograms, and the weight of individual fruits reaches 500–600 grams.
The multi-volume scientific-encyclopedic work «Medicinal Plants of Turkmenistan» by the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Hero-Arkadag, devotes great attention to the medicinal properties of the pomegranate. The unique properties of this medicinal plant and its fruit have been known since ancient times, and their role and significance are even greater in folk medicine. Pomegranates not only adorn festive spreads, symbolising abundance, but also find use in traditional crafts: their rinds are used for tanning leather and producing dyes in various shades.
The agricultural workers of the Magtymguly etrap are making a significant contribution to ensuring abundance by supplying markets of the country with environmentally friendly fruit. Successfully fulfilling the production targets of the year held under the motto «Independent neutral Turkmenistan – homeland of purposeful winged horses», they strive to conclude the year with remarkable new achievements.
