Delicious strawberries grown in the greenhouse of “Alitepa” mahalla in Marhamat district of Andijan region today decorate our compatriots’ New Year’s tables.

Entrepreneur Valijon Abdullayev began growing strawberries in this mahalla several years ago. First, he organized a greenhouse with an area of 20 acres. Then, he expanded his activities and increased the area to 50 acres.

“I worked for several years in the Republic of Korea, where I studied in detail the technology of growing strawberries in greenhouse conditions”, says Mr. Abdullayev. “Then I organized this business in our mahalla, and now I am achieving good results”.

According to the farmer, 750 seedlings are planted on one hundred square meters. Depending on the fertility of the land and care, you can get up to 200 grams of harvest from one seedling. So, in one season, 130-150 kilograms of crop can be harvested from one hundred square meters of land.

“Caring for strawberries is a rather delicate matter”, continues the entrepreneur. “Each agrotechnical activity must be carried out on time and with high quality. The temperature in the greenhouse must be moderate. In addition, special attention should be paid to the choice of variety, which should be suitable for the soil and climatic conditions of the sown area. In winter, at least 500 kilograms of coal heat the greenhouse”.

Mr. Abdullayev sells some seedlings to buyers for spring planting and keeps the other part for himself. Fresh strawberries grown in the autumn/winter are sold in markets and shopping centers in Marhamat, Asaka, and Andijan cities.

Growing strawberries brings good income not only to the entrepreneur, but also to the mahalla residents. In addition to the farmer’s family members, unemployed residents of the mahalla also take care of and grow strawberries. In spring and summer, up to 10 people work in the greenhouse, and in winter – 5.

Strawberries are not only a decoration for the garden, but also for the table, especially for New Year’s. Just the sight of this berry lifts your spirits. You want to praise the work of farmers again and again, thanks to whom we can enjoy the taste of such wonderful fruits all year round.

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F. Ubaydullayev, photos by Z. Umrzoqov, UzA