Farmers are also working with the "Thornfree" blackberry variety.
Due to insufficient demand for blackberries in the Kadamjai district, her son began to develop the family business in the Chui region to export the berries.
The family started their business 4-5 years ago when they purchased seedlings of various varieties, including "Loch Ness" [Loch Ness — a popular thornless Scottish variety] for 80-100 soms per bush and planted a plantation of about 1.5 hectares.
"Loch Ness" is a thornless, semi-trailing variety with high yields. On average, 6–8 kg can be harvested from one bush, and with good care, up to 15–30 kg. The berries are large (weighing 6-8 g, up to 10-12 g), shiny, black-purple in color with a conical shape. The taste is sweet with a slight acidity.
The "Thornfree" variety was developed in 1966 in Maryland and is characterized by the absence of thorns. It is known for its high yield: on average, 10–20 kg per bush, with excellent care yielding up to 25–30 kg. The fruiting period lasts up to 1.5 months, and the berries are large.
Gulnazira Borueva notes that caring for this crop requires special attention. Every year, pruning is done, leaving shoots 1.5–2 meters long. It is important to regularly loosen the soil around the plants and adhere to the watering schedule. "In the first 3-4 years, we did not use chemical treatments, but this year we started treating the plants for diseases," she shares.
The berry harvesting season lasts from June to November, with harvesting every three days. Up to 3 kilograms of ripe berries can be collected in one round. The products are mainly intended for export. "We collect and prepare the goods according to orders. It is very important not to miss the time: if the berries are not harvested on time, they overripe and lose their marketable appearance. Prices per kilogram range from 150 to 320 soms depending on the season. In Kadamjai, we sell for 150 soms per kilogram," Gulnazira Borueva shares.
In addition to berry harvesting, the family also sells seedlings. The retail price for blackberry seedlings is 60 soms, while the wholesale price is 50 soms. Additionally, they grow raspberry seedlings, which cost 20 soms.
Blackberries are in demand in the confectionery industry for decorating cakes and desserts, and are also valued for their health benefits and natural sugar content.
Local residents emphasize that the experience of the Borueva family is an example of a successful business in agriculture, focused on export, using niche agricultural crops.
