Tajikistan has announced plans to plant paulownia trees on 100 hectares in 2026, as part of the country's 2024–2028 Paulownia Development Program. The initiative aims to establish industrial plantations of the fast-growing tree to supply timber, boost beekeeping, produce livestock feed, protect farmland from erosion and improve environmental conditions.
Why a national program chose paulownia
Tajikistan's forests are largely composed of shrubs, and domestic production of commercial timber is limited — up to 90–95% of construction timber is imported. Fast-growing paulownia plantations using modern cultivation methods are seen as a way to conserve natural resources and reduce pressure on existing forests.
According to the program, paulownia offers a rare combination of benefits:
- Regeneration: after cutting, the tree regrows from its root system, which can remain viable for 70–100 years;
- Carbon: a single tree can absorb up to 22 kg of CO₂ per year; a 10-hectare plantation can absorb up to 275 tons of CO₂ annually;
- Honey: paulownia is a strong honey plant, capable of yielding up to 800 kg of marketable honey per hectare;
- Feed: leaves can serve as livestock feed, with potential yields of 35–40 tons of green biomass per hectare per year, comparable in nutritional value to alfalfa;
- Timber: the wood is lightweight, dries quickly and resists deformation — suitable for construction and furniture.
Program targets
The program provides for annual production of up to 100,000 seedlings, more than 200 hectares of industrial plantations over three years, continued scientific research, and development of small-scale wood processing. By 2028, the country envisions at least 1,000 hectares of paulownia plantations, with funding for 2026 activities exceeding 7 million somoni.
What this means for growers elsewhere
Tajikistan is not alone. Governments and private investors across Central Asia, Southeast Asia and Europe are turning to paulownia for the same reasons: speed, versatility and environmental value. The decisive factor in every successful program is not the seedling — it is cultivation technology: correct site selection, planting density, irrigation, pruning and pest management.
Sources & Further reading
- Tajikistan to allocate 100 hectares for Paulownia plantations in 2026 (Asia Plus)
- Government Decree No. 245: Paulownia Development Program 2024-2028 (FAO FAOLEX)
Planning a paulownia project? Our center has designed and guided plantations in many regions of China and abroad. Email paulownia@vip.126.com to discuss your site.