President Emomali Rahmon Launches Irrigation Project, Reviews Agricultural Development in Shahriston
Dushanbe, The Gulf Observer: President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, continued his working visit to the cities and districts of the Sughd Region on Tuesday with a trip to Shahriston District, where he inaugurated a new irrigation system, reviewed major agricultural development projects, and visited an exhibition showcasing local farm produce.
The President officially launched an irrigation pipeline designed to supply water to 20 hectares of potato fields and was briefed on projects aimed at developing 601 hectares of rain-fed and pasture land for potato cultivation, as well as irrigating 1,007 hectares of agricultural land across three villages in the Kuhistoni Mastchoh District.
Officials informed the President that the new irrigation line, constructed using polyethylene pipes over a distance of 500 metres, will provide water to more than 200 hectares of potato farmland.
The cultivated fields feature several high-yield potato varieties, including Somon, Azizi, Shukrona, Karimi, Ovchi and Gonchi, with expected yields ranging from 50 to 70 tonnes per hectare.
During his inspection of the potato fields, President Rahmon instructed relevant authorities to continue promoting agricultural development and ensure an abundant supply of fresh domestic produce. He was informed that 12 potato varieties have been planted across Shahriston District, with crop growth and productivity showing promising results.
The President also reviewed a land development project covering four villages—Vahdat, Ovchi, Sebzor and Obodi—within the Shahriston and Bunjikat rural communities. Under the project, newly reclaimed agricultural land will be irrigated through 25 vertical wells.
Project officials stated that local farmers aim to increase annual potato production to 100,000 tonnes, contributing significantly to the country’s food security objectives.
President Rahmon was further briefed on an irrigation initiative in Kuhistoni Mastchoh District, covering the villages of Obburdon, Hadishahr and Padask. The project is expected to provide irrigation for 822 hectares of potato fields, with water sourced primarily from the Zarafshon River.
During the visit, the Tajik leader also toured an agricultural exhibition featuring more than 30 tonnes of produce from local farms. The display included potatoes, carrots, onions, fruits, vegetables, cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelons, melons, apricots, peaches, cereals, honey and a wide range of other agricultural products presented in attractive arrangements.
The exhibition also featured medicinal herbs, dairy products, traditional bread, national cuisine and examples of local handicrafts, highlighting the district’s agricultural and cultural heritage.
Following the exhibition, President Rahmon met with local officials and encouraged them to increase agricultural production and exports, expand cultivated areas by bringing unused land into production, and ensure a steady supply of fresh locally grown products to domestic markets.
