Tajikistan to allocate 100 hectares for Paulownia plantations in 2026
Tajikistan plans to plant paulownia trees on 100 hectares in 2026 as part of the 2024–2028 Paulownia Development Program.
The initiative aims to establish industrial plantations of the fast-growing tree to supply timber, boost beekeeping, produce livestock feed, protect agricultural land from erosion, and improve the country’s environmental conditions.
Why Paulownia?
According to the program, Tajikistan’s forests are largely composed of shrubs, making domestic production of commercial timber limited. As a result, up to 90–95% of construction timber is imported.
Experts believe that establishing industrial paulownia plantations using modern cultivation methods could help conserve natural resources and reduce pressure on existing forests.
Paulownia is a fast-growing species that can reach up to 30 meters in height. It is known for its large leaves and rapid growth. While adaptable to different soils, it performs best on irrigated and moderately moist land.
One of its key advantages is regenerative capacity: after being cut, the tree can regrow from its root system, which may remain viable for 70–100 years.
The program also highlights environmental benefits. A single tree can absorb up to 22 kilograms of carbon dioxide per year and release up to 6 kilograms of oxygen. A 10-hectare plantation could absorb up to 275 tons of CO₂ annually while helping prevent soil erosion.
Honey, feed, and timber
Paulownia is valued not only for timber production but also as a strong honey plant, capable of yielding up to 800 kilograms of marketable honey per hectare.
Its leaves can serve as livestock feed, with potential yields of 35–40 tons of green biomass per hectare annually, comparable in nutritional value to alfalfa.
The wood is lightweight, dries quickly, and is resistant to deformation, making it suitable for construction and furniture manufacturing. The biomass can also be used for pellets, biogas production, and heating.
Program targets and plans for 2026
The 2024–2028 program aims to expand industrial cultivation of paulownia, increase plantation areas, and reduce pressure on natural forests. It provides for the production of seedlings in forest nurseries, improved profitability of forestry enterprises, job creation, and continued scientific research.
The initiative aims to establish industrial plantations of the fast-growing tree to supply timber, boost beekeeping, produce livestock feed, protect agricultural land from erosion, and improve the country’s environmental conditions.
Why Paulownia?
According to the program, Tajikistan’s forests are largely composed of shrubs, making domestic production of commercial timber limited. As a result, up to 90–95% of construction timber is imported.
Experts believe that establishing industrial paulownia plantations using modern cultivation methods could help conserve natural resources and reduce pressure on existing forests.
Paulownia is a fast-growing species that can reach up to 30 meters in height. It is known for its large leaves and rapid growth. While adaptable to different soils, it performs best on irrigated and moderately moist land.
One of its key advantages is regenerative capacity: after being cut, the tree can regrow from its root system, which may remain viable for 70–100 years.
The program also highlights environmental benefits. A single tree can absorb up to 22 kilograms of carbon dioxide per year and release up to 6 kilograms of oxygen. A 10-hectare plantation could absorb up to 275 tons of CO₂ annually while helping prevent soil erosion.
Honey, feed, and timber
Paulownia is valued not only for timber production but also as a strong honey plant, capable of yielding up to 800 kilograms of marketable honey per hectare.
Its leaves can serve as livestock feed, with potential yields of 35–40 tons of green biomass per hectare annually, comparable in nutritional value to alfalfa.
The wood is lightweight, dries quickly, and is resistant to deformation, making it suitable for construction and furniture manufacturing. The biomass can also be used for pellets, biogas production, and heating.
Program targets and plans for 2026
The 2024–2028 program aims to expand industrial cultivation of paulownia, increase plantation areas, and reduce pressure on natural forests. It provides for the production of seedlings in forest nurseries, improved profitability of forestry enterprises, job creation, and continued scientific research.
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