Crop Selection by Region: Plant Cultivation Opportunities Across Turkmenistan

1. Ahal Province

Natural Conditions:
Located on the western edge of the Karakum Desert, Ahal has a predominance of irrigated lands, primarily supplied by the Karakum Canal.

Key Crops:

• Cotton – The region’s primary economic crop.

• Wheat – A strategic food staple.

• Tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants – Widely cultivated vegetables.

• Grapes, pomegranates, apples – The warm climate favors fruit orchards.

• Saxaul and wormwood – Used in combating desertification.

2. Balkan Province

Natural Conditions:
This region borders the Caspian Sea, with mountainous areas and a coastal microclimate. The climate is warm and dry.

Key Crops:

• Olives, figs, pomegranates – Fruit trees that thrive in warm conditions.

• Mulberries, almonds, walnuts – Grown in mountain foothills.

• Lavender, rosemary – Aromatic and medicinal plants.

• Shrubs, saxaul – Important for dryland ecological stability.

3. Dashoguz Province

Natural Conditions:
Primarily desert and semi-desert territory, but with irrigated areas and deep-rooted agricultural practices.

Key Crops:

• Beets, carrots, garlic, pumpkins – Widely grown root vegetables.

• Barley, corn – Suitable grain crops.

• Apples, pears, plums – Cool-season fruit trees.

• Wormwood, local medicinal herbs – Native species with ecological and health value.

4. Lebap Province

Natural Conditions:
Located along the Amu Darya River, Lebap has very fertile soils and ample irrigation. The Köýtendag Mountains are also found here.

Key Crops:

• Cotton, wheat – Main agricultural staples.

• Grapes, peaches, figs, apples, pears – Fruit growing is well-developed in valleys and foothills.

• Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers – A leading region for vegetable cultivation.

• Mountain herbs (e.g., wild melons, alhagi) – Ideal for medicinal and ecological purposes.

5. Mary Province

Natural Conditions:
Located in the lower reaches of the Amu Darya, Mary has extensive irrigated lands and borders desert regions.

Key Crops:

• Wheat, corn, cotton – Economically important crops.

• Cucumbers, carrots, pumpkins – Well-suited vegetable varieties.

• Grapes, plums, apples – Fruit trees requiring heat thrive here.

• Saxaul, salt-tolerant shrubs, wormwood – Important for stabilizing saline and arid soils.

Each region of Turkmenistan offers distinct advantages for cultivating certain crops based on its natural conditions. Choosing crops suited to the region’s climate and soil improves agricultural efficiency and sustainability. Promoting the cultivation of native plants contributes not only to food security but also to environmental conservation and land restoration.