enrutj

Tajik farmer grows early watermelons after investing in drip irrigation system

Investor
Dehkan farm «Ahmadjon»
Location
Balkhi, Tajikistan
Investment
Drip irrigation system
Investment Size
US$ 4,416
Financial results
Payback in 1 year
Water savings
4,200 m3/year
Donor
EU, GCF, South Korea

Investment in drip irrigation system to grow early watermelons

A farmer from Tajikistan invested in a drip irrigation system to grow watermelons and further export them to the Baltics and Russian Federation.

As a hydraulic engineer, Mr. Akhmedov Khamid from Balkhi district is quite interested in innovative technologies, especially in various irrigation systems. In 2019, he attended the agricultural exhibition and learned about innovative technologies for growing early watermelons. Later he decided to open a Dehkan farm «Ahmadjon» and equip it with a drip irrigation system, that will enable him to control the level of nitrates and grow crops in line with the high quality standards.

Mr. Akhmedov approached one of  European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) partner banks for a GEFF loan of US$ 4,416 and invested in a drip irrigation system. This technology allowed him to grow watermelons (French varieties Dolby and Victoria) in just 55 days and export abroad.

The entrepreneur managed to reduce the water consumption by 4,200 m3 per year, leading to the annual cost savings. The investment will be repaid in 1 year. In addition, this irrigation method increased the yield from 1 hectare to up to 20 tons, which in turn increased the profitability of the project approximately threefold.

The European Union (EU) investment incentive of 30% is available, which makes the financing more accessible to farmers.

“As a farmer I hope that soon the epidemiological situation will be stabilised and we can again resume the trade. I am ready to produce high quality agri-products for export, which can be sold at a higher price.”, said Mr. Akhmedov.

GEFF Tajikistan is supported by the European Union, the Green Climate Fund and South Korea.

GEFF Tajikistan [Agricultural Value Chains] helps Tajik farmers and agribusinesses adopt technology solutions that can enhance competitiveness of the agricultural value chains.