Melon Secrets from an Uzbek Farmer: 127 Varieties and a Personal Breeding Program

In the heart of Uzbekistan’s Khorezm region, one farmer is turning a humble fruit into a symbol of culture, science, and tourism. Meet Sanat Kalandarov, a melon farmer and agricultural scientist who cultivates more than 127 varieties of melons on the sun-drenched fields near the Amu Darya River.

Kalandarov is on a mission: to make the Khorezm melon a nationally recognized export brand and a draw for international visitors. His story reflects the rise of agritourism in Uzbekistan, where tradition meets innovation, and travellers can discover authentic rural life.

Early Morning in Khorezm: Where Melons Meet Tradition

It’s early morning in the village of Vazir, Khorezm. The air is heavy with the sweet aroma of ripe melons. For Sanat Kalandarov, that scent is more than just pleasant—it’s a signal of a good harvest.

«If a melon smells sweet in the morning, the harvest will be strong,» he says with a smile.

Aged 40, Sanat is a third-generation dehkan (traditional farmer). As a child, he walked the fields hand-in-hand with his grandfather, who taught him how to recognize the ripest melons, and the value of preserving their legacy.

Khorezm’s Gurvak: A Melon with Local Pride

Among Sanat’s many varieties, one stands out: Gurvak, a local melon grown exclusively in Khorezm. Known for its exceptional sweetness, Gurvak thrives in the region’s saline soils, which Sanat believes enhance the flavour.

This unique melon ripens in early August but has a short shelf life, making it hard to export. Still, Sanat promotes Gurvak as a Khorezm brand—a fruit with cultural identity.

«You won’t find Gurvak anywhere else,» he says. «It’s our pride.»

Melons and Science: Creating the “Kumush” Variety

Driven by his love for the land, Sanat pursued formal education in agriculture, graduating from the Tashkent Agricultural University in 2012. In 2019, he was appointed head of the Khorezm Research Institute of Vegetables and Potatoes.

In 2022, he developed a new variety: «Kumush» (which means «Silver» in Uzbek). Unlike traditional melons, Kumush matures in late autumn and can be stored until spring—making it ideal for export and long-term storage.

This September, Sanat will defend his Ph.D. thesis on the Kumush melon—balancing the roles of farmer, scientist and innovator.

Dried Melons, Melon Jam and the Future of Uzbek Agribusiness

Melons in Uzbekistan aren’t just eaten fresh. They’re dried for winter, made into jams and juices, and even used in desserts. Sanat believes melon-based products could become an international business.

«Imagine canned melon, like pineapple,» he says. «We could sell it in supermarkets across Europe and Asia.»

He has the business plan; he just needs investment.

Melon Farming in Numbers (2024 Data)

• Total harvest in Uzbekistan: 2.68 million tons of melons and gourds
• Farmers produced: 1.5+ million tons
• Smallholder dehkans: around 1 million tons
• Exports (Jan–July 2024):
  • Total: 24,300 tons worth $10.8 million
  • Top importers:
    • Kyrgyzstan – 7,200 tons
    • Kazakhstan – 6,200 tons
    • Russia – 5,900 tons
    • Latvia – 1,300 tons
    • Germany – 800 tons

Discover the Melon Festival: A Cultural Experience for Tourists

In Uzbekistan, melons are more than fruit—they are a symbol of sun, abundance, and celebration. Historically, the harvest season was marked by the «Kovun Sayli» (Melon Festival), a traditional event filled with food, music, and community spirit.

Today, the festival is being revived in popular tourist cities like Bukhara and Khiva, usually held in early August. It’s an unforgettable experience for travellers—featuring tastings, cultural performances, and the honour of meeting village elders, or aksakals.

«Through melons, tourists can taste our heritage,» says Sanat.

A Symbol of Uzbekistan’s Agritourism Potential

Sanat Kalandarov’s story shows how one farmer’s passion can drive innovation, preserve tradition, and promote a country’s global image. From rare seeds to export-ready products, from field to festival; Khorezm’s melons are becoming a gateway to Uzbekistan’s soul.

Whether you’re a food lover, a cultural explorer, or an investor, Uzbekistan’s melons, and the people behind them, offer something truly unique.