30,000 m² Vegetable Greenhouse Turnkey Project  

1. Background                                                                           
    
   The Turkmenistan government decided to establish an arrangement for producing fresh vegetables out-of-season for local market consumption and for export. The guiding principles for this decision were:
   A shortage of fresh produce in winter;
   The availability of inexpensive energy - natural gas;
   Relatively good light conditions in winter;
   Source of trained and relatively inexpensive labor, desperate for work .
   
   NETAFIM MAGAL was chosen to establish this project from start to finish, including two years of management and supervision.
2. Agricultural Perception
   After many discussion, it was decided to erect a greenhouse with rigid covering, using double-layered polycarbonate, which provides insulation while enabling sufficient penetration of light. This type of greenhouse enables the production of vegetables over a period of 10 months, with the peak months of production being during the winter. Following a study of the objective limitations, the natural soil was chosen as the preferred growing medium because of it serving as the best "buffer" over other media. (Ashchabad suffers from problems with the electricity and water supply that are unreliable, which is why soilless media are unsuitable.)                                  
   
   The project is operated as a completely independent unit, with its own nursery ("Speedling" type), means for sorting and packing, and a marketing system in which Netafim is involved.
3. Means   
   1. A light construction suitable for covering with double-layered polycarbonate sheets, including roof openings and side curtains.
   2. Controlled hot water heating system, including boilers for producing energy, and a distribution system. This system is capable of fulfilling the requirements for temperature differences of DT 28 C.
   3. A respiring thermal screen which provides energy advantages in the winter and shade and cooling in the summer.
   4. Ventilation and circulation systems for aerating, cooling and uniformity of temperature.
   5. The "intelligent" climate control system measures changes in external climate conditions, predicts changes which will occur inside the greenhouse, and operate the various systems accordingly, to create optimal growing conditions.
   6. The irrigation and fertilization system supplies a controlled solution of nutrients, to enable optimal growth, yields and quality.
   7. Speedling type of nursery in the greenhouse area. It operates during the summer months and after the young plants have been supplied, it is dismantled, and the area is used for growing vegetables.
   8. The plant protection set-up includes anti-insect netting and the use of pesticides.
   9. Sorting and packing set-up.
   10. Administration buildings, approach roads, and fencing around the site.
       
       
       
   11. Actual Setting-Up
       Netafim began the project in April 1995. The project was planned with a very tight schedule, with construction starting in June 1995. In November of the same year, the project started growing vegetables, with all means and systems operating.
   12. Management and Supervision
       Netafim has been supervising and managing the project for two seasons. The project manager and the Netafim agronomist supervise and assist all growing , packing and marketing activities related to the project.  After two seasons, it is possible to estimate that a core of well trained local workers is forming, who will be able to contribute significantly to the production of local vegetables. The project yield is according to expectations, and is considered to be the most successful agricultural project in Turkmenistan in the last five years.