Turkmenistan boasts a total greenhouse area of around 800 hectares, with a remarkable 95% dedicated to tomato cultivation, according to entrepreneur Dovletgeldi Ballyev's article in Biznes Reklama. Simultaneously, new greenhouses covering approximately 600–650 hectares are under construction.
The country predominantly cultivates three tomato varieties: cluster, pink, and cherry. Marvelans, Altes, and Provans are popular among cluster varieties, while Pink Paradise and Fujimario lead among pink varieties. Modern greenhouse tomato yields average 250–300 tons per hectare, increasing to 400–450 tons with cooling equipment.
In 2021, Turkmen businessmen exported 71,000 tons of tomatoes, escalating to 104,000 tons in 2022. From early 2023, exports reached approximately 103,000 tons, establishing Turkmenistan as a major tomato supplier to Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. The article highlights potential sales to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and India during the summer at favourable prices through marketing efforts. Additionally, Turkmen businessmen have initiated tomato exports to Dubai, UAE.
Ballyev anticipates future greenhouse expansions to meet market demands, introducing large-scale cucumber, bell pepper, aubergine, strawberry, banana, and other vegetable cultivation.
source: business.com.tm