KULOB, September 21, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- During land treatment operations, farming units in Kulob district have bought diesel fuel at refueling stations on account, the First Deputy Kulob Mayor, Fayzali Qurbonov, said in an interview with Asia-Plus.

“Since the beginning of the field works, they have bought diesel fuel for a total amount of 13,038,760 somoni,” said the deputy mayor.

According to him, they have been forced to introduce such a method of serving farmers.  “There is only one small petroleum storage depot in the district, which is located in the Hamadoni State Farm, while the remaining farming units even do not have places to keep diesel fuel if they buy it for loan or any other means,” noted Qurbonov.  “Therefore, local authorities have guaranteed an opportune repayment to fuel wholesale dealers and they have understood our request.”

Many farmers – grain and vegetable growers – have already paid off their debts.

In the meantime, 7,908 hectares have been allocated to crop cultivation in Kulob district this year: 3,707 hectares have been allocated to cotton cultivation, 3,295 hectares have been allocated to grains, and 906 hectares have been allocated to cultivation of potatoes, vegetables and watermelons, melons and gourds.