A Bountiful Rice Harvest Gathered in Lebap Province

Rice farmers in Lebap Province have once again achieved a rich harvest this year, making a worthy contribution to strengthening the country's food security. The rice grown on fields irrigated by the sweet waters of the Amu Darya (Jeyhun) is known for its unique taste and high quality.

The distinct flavor of Lebap rice is largely due to the pure water of the Amu Darya. At local markets, buyers often ask first where the rice was grown — if it’s from Lebap or Dashoguz, it’s in high demand.

This year, farmers in Lebap planted rice on 10,200 hectares, much of it as an inter-crop after wheat. The variety “Nukus-2” was chosen for its productivity and resistance to disease.

Experienced farmers in Darganata, Charjew, Sayat, Halach, Kerki, and Koytendag districts harvested an average of 50 centners per hectare.

In the Halach district, farmers from the “Chohpetde” cooperative — Gulalek Allanazarova and Jumanazar Kudermetov — grew a new variety called “Galpakbash”, which matures in only 120 days and yields 55 centners per hectare.

Next year, they plan to cultivate the “Munbashy” variety. In the Kerki district, Batyr Jumagulyyev from the Osman Sohbetov cooperative achieved 60 centners per hectare from this type and shared his experience with other farmers.

Lebap’s rice growers continue to exchange expertise, adapting high-quality varieties to local soil and climate conditions. The introduction of innovative methods and new rice types supports further progress in the sector.

The government’s consistent increase in rice procurement prices has encouraged farmers’ motivation, ensuring stable agricultural growth and higher incomes.

This year, Lebap’s diligent farmers once again provided the nation with high-quality local rice. The fertile soil, the Amu Darya’s waters, and the farmers’ hard work made 2025 another successful year for Turkmenistan’s “white gold” — rice.