The papaya, which is believed to originate from southern Mexico and northern Central America, is now grown in tropical regions around the world and in greenhouses, including in Turkmenistan. This is reported by AsmanNews.

The plant grows to a height of 3–10 metres and begins to bear fruit approximately eight months after planting. By the third year, a single tree can yield up to 100 kilograms per year.

Papaya flesh contains vitamins A, B1, B2 and C, as well as calcium, iron and phosphorus.

India remains the largest producer of papaya. Annual production reaches 5–6 million tonnes, accounting for over 40 per cent of the global market. The majority of the produce is consumed domestically, whilst exports are sent to countries in the Persian Gulf, South-East Asia and Europe.

In Turkmenistan, papaya cultivation is carried out mainly in specialised greenhouse complexes, taking climatic conditions into account.