In the city of Nurek, located in Tajikistan's Khatlon region, there are currently 207 hectares of pomegranate orchards, of which 131 hectares are yielding fruit, while the rest is occupied by both new plantings and old orchards.
The pomegranate harvest in Nurek began in October and will last until November 10. Part of the harvest is intended for the domestic market, with the remaining volumes planned for export.
In 2010, pomegranate seedlings were imported from Afghanistan and Iran to Nurek to increase yield, but they did not adapt well to the local area. As a result, all pomegranate production in this region is from local seedlings, which helps maintain traditional taste qualities.
The main varieties grown here are soft-seeded white and red pomegranates. A pomegranate tree grows up to 3–4 meters in height and has abundant branches and leaves. Sometimes, up to 7–9 trunks can grow from a single bush, and seedlings can reach large sizes. The first pomegranate flowers appear in May, fruits ripen in September-November, and each pomegranate weighs from 200 to 600 grams, sometimes reaching 1 kilogram. The trees are adapted to the local climate, enduring drought and frost.
Source: avesta.tj