DUSHANBE , January 11, Asia-Plus - On January 9, President Rahmonov presided over a meeting with participation of senior representatives from the agriculture ministry, committee for environmental protection and forestry, as well as heads of districts subordinate to the center.  

According to presidential press service, the meeting focused on preparations for spring sowing campaign, providing cotton-growing farms with fuel, and implementation of the government’s resolution on development of gardening wine-growing in the republic.  

Speaking to those present, the president named low quality of seeds as one of key factors for non-fulfillment of the national cotton target.  Rahmonov ordered heads of relevant enterprises to take measures to provide farmers with high-quality cottonseeds for the spring cotton sowing campaign.  . 

The head of state also expressed concern about the present state of “Tigrovaya Balka” reserve.  Rahmonov ordered to identify the reasons for the reserve deterioration and ways to protect it.  “Tigrovaya Balka” is a unique natural reserve in Tajikistan that has been deteriorating over the past several years.