KHUJAND, August 14, 2009, Asia-Plus — This year, Sughd farmers are expected to receive harvests of stone fruits, mainly apricots, less than it was originally planned, according to the Sughd agriculture directorate.
“Local farmers plan to produce more than 23,300 tons fresh fruits this year, which is 3,000 tons fewer compared to 2008,” said the source at the agriculture directorate, “This year, bad weather conditions and various diseases have seriously affected fruits trees in the province this year.” According to him, diseases have affected apricot trees in Isfara and Bobojonghafurov districts and apricot trees in Panjakent and Ayni district have been hit by frosts.
According to the Sughd agency for statistics, the province has exported 43,093 tons of fruits, including 911 tons of fresh apricots, over the first six months of this year. Sughd has made 15.2 million U.S. dollars from fruit exports over the report period.
