Currently, olive harvesting is actively underway in the Etrek etrap of the Balkan velayat. Fruits grown in accordance with agrotechnical requirements are of high quality and nutritional value, and are supplied to local markets at affordable prices.
Olive yields are growing year by year: on average, 30-40 kilograms of fruit are harvested from one tree, and individual stems produce up to 80 kilograms. In 2019, 1,600 trees were planted, which bear fruit for the first time this season. It is expected that an additional 10 tons of olives will be harvested from these trees.
Ecologically clean and highly nutritious olives compete with world fruits, and thanks to the unique climate of Turkmenistan, trees begin to bear fruit 40-45 days earlier than in other countries. Olives and olive oil have many beneficial properties: their consumption promotes cell regeneration, reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and helps with stomach ulcers and kidney stones. The fat content of olives is about 70%, which makes them a valuable raw material for food, pharmaceutical and other industries. Olive trees live from 700 to 2500 years without losing their productivity and value.
In addition, since ancient times, products made from olive wood have been considered a symbol of unity and protection from the evil eye. Growing such trees and developing horticulture is a noble task that contributes to the prosperity of the people and strengthening the health of the nation.