Changes in the climate are creating serious concern for the fruit industry in Tajikistan despite a dry and mild winter in the country this year.

Farmers worry that the dry conditions may threaten the crops grown in this country.

The fruit growers are worried about the hot winter months, with fears of the premature blooming of trees including peaches, almonds plums and apricots susceptible to frost damage which could result in lower yields between two and three.

Another risk for the crop are pests that have been regenerated by the unusually mild winter.

A few experts from the agricultural industry suggest farmers be proactive and adopt preventive measures like regular irrigation in order to ensure soil moisture is maintained and delay the blooming season for 10 to 15 days.

The Ministry of Agriculture acknowledges these issues, sending specialists and researchers to those regions, and developing plans to increase access to water and conditions for agriculture.

source: knews.kg