Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, August 25 / Trend H. Hasanov /
Turkmenistan started sowing winter wheat this week. Turkmen farmers plan to sow about 1.6 million tons this season.
Over 4,000 tillage tractors, 1,800 seeding machines and various other equipment are engaged in the sowing campaign. The total sown area will reach 860,000 hectares.
According to local media, farmers are sowing the Juvan, Yoloten-1, Sahrai, Yubileynaya-100, Bitarap and Batko wheat varieties, as in previous years.
Turkmenistan prioritized food independence as a national strategy during the global financial crisis.
"Improving agricultural efficiency and increasing grain and other goods production is vital for the further strengthening of our economy," Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhammadov said.
He added that Turkmenistan is advancing the food independence policy by providing logistical support to farmers, as well as modern equipment, fertilizers, and high-quality seeds. The government is also working to revamp the country's agricultural infrastructure.