Tajikistan's black cherries have been increasingly favored in Chinese markets, attributed to their quality and price competitiveness. The country's climate, featuring considerable day-night temperature differences and a generous water supply from snow-capped mountains, is optimal for cultivating cherries, especially the "Black Cherry" variety known for its size and sweetness. The upcoming state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Tajikistan, following his engagements in Kazakhstan and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, highlights the growing ties between the two nations.
Khursandmurad Tursunzoda, a fruit grower in the Gissar Mountains, manages a 12-hectare cherry orchard with over 3,000 trees. He emphasizes the importance of proper care and respect for the trees to ensure a fruitful harvest. Tursunzoda's orchard, which uses natural fertilizers, is described as an "ecological orchard" and has seen increasing yields and sales. He also focuses on training the younger generation in cherry cultivation, advocating for careful harvesting to maintain freshness.
Recent data shows that Tajikistan exported over 30 tons of cherries to China in 2023, with shipments facilitated via regular flights from Dushanbe to Urumqi in Xinjiang. Natan Mamedov, an entrepreneur, mentioned the convenience of the packaging and the growing demand for these cherries in China, underscoring the cross-border appreciation of Tajikistan's cherries.
Source: bastillepost.com