Tomatoes, melons and watermelons instead of rice - farmers of the Kyzylorda region are switching to moisture-saving crops as part of the diversification of sown areas. The Shiyeli district collected its first harvest of gourds and vegetables. This season, part of the land was given to the villagers for cultivation. As a result, they were able to bring under cultivation over 600 hectares and get a rich harvest.
“We already ship tomatoes to different cities of Kazakhstan, and export part of the crop to Russia. The type of tomatoes that we grow in our fields, they are very tolerant to transport, so it is in good demand,” said Maksat Tashmatov, a farm director.
“5,447 hectares of land in the district are allocated for potatoes, vegetables and gourds. The agricultural lands are located in all villages. The locals are currently getting the first harvest, and some are already selling it,” said Murat Ashirbekov, Head of Agriculture Department of the Shiyeli district.
In the current agricultural season, rice plantations are being reduced across the region due to the scarcity of irrigation water. Experts believe that diversification will allow not only rational usage of valuable moisture, but also provide the population with agricultural products.
Translation by Assem Zhanmukhanova
Editing by Saule Mukhamejanova
