KHUJAND, June 18, 2015, Asia-Plus -- Hundreds of individual entrepreneurs from the northern district of Isfara are currently involved in apricot gathering in the southern province of Khatlon.

A cold weather that hit the northern province of Sughd in late March and early April this year has caused serious damage to orchards and vineyards in the area.

The cold weather practically completely destroyed the apricot harvest in Isfara.  Serious damage was also caused to 8,878 hectares of other orchards and 251 hectares of vineyards.  A total damage has been estimated at 26.818 million somoni.

Therefore, entrepreneurs from Isfara are purchasing fruits in Khatlon province.   Four canning factories of Isfara have signed agreements with fruit farms in Khatlon on purchasing and processing fruits and vegetables.