A new pomegranate variety called "Karimi", developed by Tajik farmer Karimjon Butaev from the Jajhun district, has been recognized by experts as a potential national asset of Tajikistan. Specialists have proposed including the variety in the State Register of Crops, noting its strong commercial and cultural value.
Butaev, who has dedicated more than six decades to fruit growing, created "Karimi" through years of selection and observation. The variety is known for its large, bright pink fruits, sweet, juicy taste, and high yields of up to 25 tons per hectare. Pomegranates grown by Butaev have repeatedly won national and international agricultural exhibitions, bringing attention to Tajik horticulture.
The veteran farmer, now over 90 years old, continues to work alongside his children and grandchildren in their family orchard in the village of Lohuti. His son Komiljon Butaev is cultivating 15,000 seedlings of the new variety to expand production.
According to Dr. Kurbonali Partoev, head of the Laboratory of Plant Genetics and Breeding at the Academy of Sciences, "Karimi has significant potential for both local production and breeding programs. Its official registration would help strengthen Tajikistan's fruit export portfolio."
Tajikistan currently has over 2,700 hectares of pomegranate orchards, producing around 18,000 tons annually.
Source: asiaplustj.info
