Tomatoes give Kyrgyzstan's growers hope

摘要

Fruit growing in Kyrgyzstan can be traced back a long way but in recent history the horticultural sector has suffered many losses and problems. Now, tomatoes may offer growers some hope as good growing conditions and increasing demand are pushing up prices. he small, mountainous, former soviet republic of Kyrgyzstan is currently taking steps to boost its fruit and vegetable output, while other crops -such as tobacco and cotton - which were introduced during soviet times, are experiencing a notable decline. It can be seen as a return to basics, as the Tien Shan mountain-range, which covers a majority of Kyrgyzstan's territory, has a rich history of fruit and vegetable cultivation. Alexander the Great is said to have ended his campaign across CentralAsia at the alpine apple and walnut forests of Arslanbob, near the city of Jalal-Abad in southern Kyrgyzstan. Legend has it that he took walnuts and fruit seeds from here back with him to Greece.