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Csaba Lejko

PRESIDENT AGRICULTURE & TURF, CIS AND CENTRAL ASIA AND
CEO JOHN DEERE WALLDORF INTERNATIONAL GMBH

Industry  I  Interview  I  The Investor Turkmenistan

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_BIOGRAPHY He is a seasoned executive with over 25 years at John Deere, specializing in international sales, marketing, and business development. Currently, he oversees operations in Western and Central Europe, CIS, and Central Asia. With expertise in strategic partnerships, dealer development, and sustainable solutions, He has driven significant growth across diverse markets, strengthening John Deere’s global leadership.

TURKMENISTAN’S AGRICULTURAL AND INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS ARE THRIVING THROUGH ITS 30-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH JOHN DEERE AND THE WIRTGEN GROUP. ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES AND DIGITALIZATION MODERNIZE AGRICULTURE, BOOSTING PRODUCTIVITY AND SUSTAINABILITY WHILE ADDRESSING WATER AND CLIMATE CHALLENGES.

JOHN DEERE HAS BEEN A TRUSTED PARTNER OF TURKMENISTAN FOR OVER 30 YEARS. HOW HAS THIS LONG-STANDING COLLABORATION INflUENCED TURKMENISTAN’S AGRICULTURAL MODERNIZATION AND OVERALL SELF-SUFFICIENCY?

 

For more than 30 years, John Deere has been a trusted partner of Turkmenistan, working closely with the country’s leadership to modern­ize and transform the agricultural sector. This collaboration has been built on the foundation of advanced and reliable machinery, tailored to meet the specific needs of Turkmenistan’s local conditions. By continuously testing and adapting equipment to these unique environments, John Deere has played a pivotal role in enhancing agricultural productivity, streamlining cultivation and harvesting processes, and supporting the nation’s efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in key crops such as cotton and wheat.

 

One standout example of this partnership’s impact is the deployment of over 1,000 John Deere cotton pickers across Turkmenistan to mechanize the harvesting of “white gold.” This initiative has drastically reduced the reliance on manual labor, significantly improving both the efficiency and sustainability of cotton production. By leveraging such advanced technology, Turkmenistan has not only improved its agricultural output but also bolstered the resilience of its agricultural economy.

 

John Deere’s close collaboration with Turkmenistan’s leadership has been a cornerstone of this partnership. Regular meetings with His Excellency the President of Turkmenistan and His Excellency Arkadag provide valuable opportunities to align strategic priorities with the country’s vision for agricultural development. By carefully listening to the plans and initiatives of the nation’s leadership, John Deere has been able to optimize resource use, promote sustainable practices, and ensure its machinery and solutions align with Turkmenistan’s goals.

 

Through this ongoing partnership, John Deere continues to support Turkmenistan in achieving its ambitions of food security and economic resilience. By fostering innovation and sustainability in agriculture, the company remains committed to playing a vital role in the country’s journey toward a prosperous and self-sufficient future.

 

WITH TURKMENISTAN’S FOCUS ON ADOPTING ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES AND DIGITALIZATION IN AGRICULTURE, WHAT ROLE DOES JOHN DEERE PLAY IN INTRODUCING CUTTING-EDGE SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY, EFFICIENCY, AND CLIMATE ADAPTABILITY?

 

Since 2017, the majority of John Deere machinery delivered to Turkmenistan has been equipped with GPS guidance systems, marking a significant leap forward in the country’s agricultural modernization. In recent years, further advancements have been introduced, including state-of-the-art telematics systems designed for comprehensive fleet management. These cutting-edge technologies enable farmers to achieve unprecedented levels of precision in their operations, from planting to harvesting, while significantly reducing input costs, such as fuel, fertilizers, and seeds. By optimizing these critical resources, Turkmen farmers can enhance overall efficiency and sustainability.

 

Moreover, the integration of autonomous guidance systems in John Deere machinery has revolutionized traditional agricultural practices. These systems streamline workflows, minimize human error, and ensure consistency across large-scale farming operations. Additionally, the machinery is capable of automatically documenting all activities, from field preparation to harvest, by transmitting data to a centralized server over a secure local network. This real-time documentation not only supports operational transparency but also facilitates data-driven decision-making, empowering farmers to improve yields and address potential issues proactively.

 

These advanced solutions align seamlessly with Turkmenistan’s strategic goals of modernizing its agricultural sector, adapting to the challenges posed by climate change, and optimizing resource utilization. By embracing technologies that improve water efficiency, reduce soil degradation, and maximize productivity, the country is paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future. Through this partnership, John Deere continues to be a driving force in helping Turkmenistan achieve its vision of agricultural innovation, food security, and long-term economic growth.

 

WATER MANAGEMENT AND CLIMATE ADAPTATION ARE KEY CHALLENGES IN AGRICULTURE. HOW IS JOHN DEERE ASSISTING TURKMENISTAN IN ADDRESSING THESE ISSUES TO ENSURE LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY?

 

John Deere has been a key partner in addressing Turkmenistan’s water management and climate adaptation challenges, playing a vital role in ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability. Over the past two years, the company has delivered more than 500 laser levellers, enabling farms to maintain precise field gradients, optimize water usage, reduce salinization and waterlogging, and ensure uniform irrigation.

 

As the next step, John Deere is establishing a 100-hectare evaluation and technology cluster to further advance sustainable practices. This initiative will focus on redesigning fields to significantly reduce water consumption, minimize labor-intensive irrigation management, implement water metering for precise resource use, and enhance soil nutrition by retaining organic matter.

 

In addition, the cluster will aim to improve crop management techniques, ultimately achieving higher yields and further strengthening Turkmenistan’s commitment to efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.

 

BEYOND COTTON AND GRAIN PRODUCTION, TURKMENISTAN IS FOCUSING ON LIVESTOCK, POULTRY, AND HORSE BREEDING. HOW DOES JOHN DEERE’S MACHINERY AND SOLUTIONS CATER TO THE DIVERSE NEEDS OF TURKMENISTAN’S AGRICULTURAL SECTOR?

 

Turkmenistan’s agricultural sector has seen remarkable diversification, driven by strategic state guarantees and forward-thinking initiatives. These efforts have enabled competitive financing programs through Deere Credit Inc., in partnership with the Union of Entrepreneurs and Industrialists. As a result, John Deere has successfully delivered a wide range of advanced machinery and solutions to private businesses across the country.

 

This support has empowered farmers to diversify their operations, expanding into livestock, poultry, cash crops, and vegetable farming. These advancements align with Turkmenistan’s vision of developing a more robust and varied agricultural industry that extends beyond its traditional focus on cotton and grain production.

 

LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT ARE JOHN DEERE’S STRATEGIC PRIORITIES IN CONTINUING TO SUPPORT TURKMENISTAN’S AGRICULTURE AND INFRASTRUCTURE GOALS, PARTICULARLY IN FOSTERING SUSTAINABILITY AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCE?

 

The strategic roadmap prioritizes water conservation through the modernization of irrigation systems and the adoption of improved land management practices. By integrating these advancements with innovative crop management solutions, Turkmenistan is set to achieve a significant reduction in water consumption while simultaneously boosting agricultural yields.

 

In addition, John Deere is committed to supporting infrastructure development by providing state-of-the-art machinery and sustainable technologies. These efforts aim to foster economic resilience and play a crucial role in helping Turkmenistan realize its agricultural and infrastructural ambitions.

 

WHAT IS THE REPRESENTATION OF TURKMENISTAN TO JOHN DEERE’S REGIONAL AND GLOBAL OPERATIONS AND WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN OBJECTIVES FOR THE NEAR FUTURE?

John Deere is honored to be a long-standing partner of Turkmenistan and is committed to further strengthening this collaboration in the years ahead. While renowned for advanced agricultural machinery, John Deere is expanding into infrastructure development through the Wirtgen Group, a global leader in road construction and rehabilitation solutions.

 

The Wirtgen Group’s innovative and sustainable technologies for road recycling and modernization align with Turkmenistan’s focus on upgrading its infrastructure. By leveraging this expertise, John Deere aims to support Turkmenistan’s goals of enhancing regional and global connectivity while continuing to advance its agricultural sector.

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