Embassy News

USAID Builds a Demonstration Greenhouse in Ahal Province

PAS No 201
December 6, 2007

Ashgabat, December 6, 2007 – Yesterday marked the official opening of the Ahal Velayat Demonstration Greenhouse.  The greenhouse is funded by the United States Government through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) under its agricultural improvement project to show Turkmen farmers new and more progressive greenhouse construction practices that will help increase greenhouse productivity.

The demonstration greenhouse was built with several features new to Turkmen farmers: a higher roof, drip irrigation system, multiple-source heating, and improved ventilation systems.  The project will organize field days for farmers to observe these improved features. In addition, the greenhouse will be used as a training center by USAID projects to teach greenhouse vegetable producers how to increase yields.

The USAID agriculture improvement project works to increase rural incomes by helping farmers and agribusinesses link with agricultural markets, produce better products and deliver consistent quality products to the local and regional markets. The project focuses on the development of greenhouses and promoting high-value crops.

The agriculture improvement project is one of the many projects, supported by the American people through the USAID. USAID programs support the country’s community organizations, help agricultural enterprises to improve their productivity and competitiveness, and assist the Government of Turkmenistan in its efforts to adopt international health care practices.