OSCE Centre in Dushanbe presents fruit orchards to people of Shaartuz

SHAARTUZ, Tajikistan, 26 March 2008 - Two fruit orchards donated by the OSCE Centre in Dushanbe were opened today in Shaartuz ahead of a international conference on ecology to be hosted by the Tajik Government there.

"Planting gardens not only helps to save the ecology of the country from devastation, but also brings joy to people who enjoy the shade and fruits from the trees. It is our greatest pleasure to present this garden to the people," said Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin, the Head of the OSCE Centre.

The gardens with 3,000 newly planted apricot and pomegranate trees were established on ten hectares of state land. The trees were selected according to their acclimation rate in the region.

"Pomegranate and apricot trees grow well and the fruits are in great demand on the local market, so these are some of the best types of trees to be planted in Shaartus," said Kholmahmad Rakhmonov, the Chairman of the Shaartuz district .

He also noted that the local government will follow the OSCE Centre's recommendation to use the garden for the benefit of orphanages, elderly houses, and other socially vulnerable populations in the area.