The Asht district of Sughd Province in Tajikistan, known for its extensive orchards and vineyards, is facing a severe labour shortage. The orchards, covering around 20,000 hectares, are 90% apricot trees, and harvesting them has become a significant challenge for local farmers.
One local farmer, who has been cultivating apricots on 50 hectares of land for over 20 years, shared that due to mass labour migration, finding workers for the harvest has become extremely difficult. While he used to hire 40–50 people during the harvest season, now it's an achievement to gather even 5–10 workers. Although wages have increased significantly, this hasn't solved the problem of labour shortages.
According to the Migration Service of Sughd Province, as of July 2024, about 24,000 residents of Asht district are working abroad. The trend of population outflow continues to grow, which is having a powerful impact on agriculture, the primary source of income for many families.
In addition to the labour shortage, local farmers face infrastructure challenges, including difficulties with irrigation. The Fergana Canal irrigates most agricultural lands, but the water supply has significantly decreased. The deterioration of irrigation pumps worsens the situation, only one of which is currently operational out of four.
Moreover, the lands are susceptible to significant issues such as land degradation and soil erosion. Researchers report that around 30% of Tajikistan's agricultural lands are in deteriorating condition, the highest rate among Central Asian nations.
Source: asiaplustj.info