In Shymkent, Kazakhstan, local agricultural entrepreneurs are successfully growing crops typically associated with cooler climates. Among them is also blueberry, which is rarely seen in greenhouses across Central Asia.
According to the owners of the greenhouse complex, three hectares of land have already been dedicated to blueberry cultivation. Despite the region's arid climate, the project has produced encouraging results. With the use of Turkish agricultural technologies, growers have been able to adapt the crop to local conditions. The first harvest yielded 9 tonnes of berries, and plans are underway to increase annual output to 30 tonnes.
Blueberries, which naturally thrive in the temperate zones of North America and Europe, require precise microclimatic control, moisture levels, and soil acidity; all of which have been carefully engineered in this greenhouse operation.
Alongside blueberries, banana production is also developing in Shymkent. The region is home to the first industrial banana plantation in Central Asia. Operated by Gen Group Kazakhstan, the pilot project covers five hectares with over 7,000 banana trees.
The initial harvest, gathered nine months after planting, amounted to 385 tonnes, slightly below the planned 500 tonnes due to unexpected frosts. The second harvest exceeded 500 tonnes, and the company now aims to reach 600–650 tonnes, with a long-term goal of 1,000 tonnes annually.
Currently, bananas are sold only on the local market and cover just 1% of Kazakhstan's total demand. The country imports around 100,000 tonnes of bananas annually. The company plans to scale up production and eventually supply 20–25% of domestic demand.
Source: otyrar.kz