As part of the implementation of the project “Sustainable Landscape Restoration in the Republic of Tajikistan,” a working visit to the project’s target areas was carried out from 16 to 18 December 2025. The visit was conducted in accordance with the approved work plan and aimed at monitoring previously established plantations and preparing for the 2025 autumn planting campaign.
During the visit, the project forestry specialist Azam Salimov, together with representatives of district forestry enterprises and Joint Forest Management Groups (JFMGs), inspected forest and pistachio plantations established in previous years.
Special attention was paid to:
· assessing seedling survival rates;
· identifying the causes of seedling damage;
· determining land readiness for autumn planting;
· informing JFMGs about upcoming activities.
In Shahritus District, plantation areas covering 40 hectares were inspected, where pistachio, apricot, almond, elm, and acacia have been planted. Despite challenges related to the shortage of irrigation water, the average seedling survival rate was approximately 59%. The sites are fully fenced, and damaged seedlings are planned to be restored during the autumn planting season. In addition, 6 hectares of land have been prepared for new plantations.
In Pakhtaobod jamoat, monitoring was conducted on a 100-hectare pistachio plantation with both local and Iranian varieties. The assessment showed that Iranian varieties demonstrate higher resistance to heat and water scarcity. The average plantation survival rate was around 50%, which is considered a satisfactory result under the given natural conditions.
At the same time, the need to complete fencing of the plantation area to protect it from livestock grazing was noted.
During the visit, new land plots proposed for the establishment of pistachio plantations were also inspected. Some of these areas have high potential; however, they require solutions related to water supply and fencing. In one of the villages, the availability of powerful pumping equipment purchased by the project represents a significant advantage, creating favorable conditions for further expansion of plantations.
At the conclusion of the visit, working meetings were held with the heads of forestry enterprises in Kabadian and Nosiri Khusrav districts. The parties discussed plans for the 2025 autumn planting season, including saxaul sowing, and expressed full readiness for joint implementation of the planned activities.
The working visit made it possible to objectively assess the condition of plantations, identify priority areas for further activities, and strengthen coordination with local partners. The results obtained will serve as a basis for the successful preparation and implementation of the 2025 autumn planting campaign within the project.
Additional information:
Solijon Mirzoev RESILAND Tajikistan Project Manager, Center for the Implementation of Investment Projects under the Committee for Environmental Protection of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan.
Dilovarsho Dustzoda Deputy Team Leader of the Project Implementation Group for “Sustainable Landscape Restoration in the Republic of Tajikistan: Regional Component”, CAREC
