Ashgabat, February 14 | ORIENT. Turkmenistan continues to systematically transform deserted areas into blooming oases. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed an annual decree stipulating that 3 million new trees will be planted in the country by 2026.

According to the document, the greening burden is divided equally: 1.5 million seedlings will be provided by ministries, agencies, and the Ashgabat and Arkadag smart city administrations, while another 1.5 million will be planted by regional administrations across the country.

A distinctive feature of the program is its emphasis on the functionality of the plantings. In addition to conifers and deciduous trees, which traditionally form a "green shield" around cities and villages, special attention is being paid to fruit trees and grapevines.

The President ordered the planting of vineyards and orchards by variety in designated areas. This transforms the greening program into a tool for food abundance.

Turkmenistan reaffirms its commitment to rational water use. The decree mandates the exclusive use of drip irrigation for new plantings. This approach ensures high seedling survival rates with minimal water consumption.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection is responsible for monitoring the quality of planting material: it will provide agencies and municipalities with healthy, three-year-old seedlings that can quickly adapt to the soil.