Cooperation between gardeners of Astrakhan region and Greece continues despite the coronavirus

In 2013 together with partners from Greece, a unique project was launched in Astrakhan region to revive gardens near the village of Kilinchi in Privozhsky district.

Regional ministry of international and foreign economic relations provided assistance in establishing contacts between businessmen of Astrakhan region and Greece. At the same time, in 2013, regional delegation headed by the Governor visited the country. Agreements were reached – including on the cultivation of intensive gardens in Astrakhan region using Greek technology.

Now kilinchi gardens have become a recognizable brand. Fruits are in demand among buyers not only in the markets and retail chains of the region, but also far beyond its borders.

Kilinchi gardens spread over an area of 50 hectares. Seedlings of nectarine, peach, cherry and plum (three or four varieties each) were brought from Greece. Experts say that each variety has its own unique taste qualities.

Greek trellis technology was successful on Astrakhan land, when tree is attached to special supports. When watering trees, drip irrigation is used. "The trellis method allows you to save fruit-bearing trees and increases the safety of the crop," kilinchi gardeners are convinced.

"Kilinchi gardens" purchased 15 thousand rootstocks of apple trees from European partners in 2017. Now, at the time of autumn, harvest winter apples in the garden.

"Granny Smith is a late variety, it will lie at least until March, it is very frost-resistant, it can withstand up to minus 9-10 degrees," explains Yana Katunina, an agronomist at Kilinchi gardens. - Differs from others in the set of sugar. It is filling up faster than even in the Krasnodar territory - we have more sun".

Cooperation of kilinchi gardeners with European colleagues is developing.

"Every year a consultant came to us from Greece, with whom we worked on the program of chemical processing, fertilizing, pruning seedlings," says the farm Manager Roman Serikbayev.

This year, for obvious reasons, entry to Russia from European countries, including Greece, was restricted. But farmers do not interrupt the contacts with partners from Greece. Communication is carried out online.

"The advice of foreign colleagues helps us a lot in our work," Roman Serikbayev believes.