Tajikistan has seen a notable increase in potato production in the first 10 months of 2024, reaching 1,139,936 tons, a 20.6% rise from the previous year, as reported by the Agency for Statistics under the President of Tajikistan. Despite this growth, potato prices in the country have remained elevated.
In November 2024, the average potato price in Tajikistan's capital, Dushanbe, was recorded between 5.00–6.00 somonis per kilogram, and 4.20–5.80 somonis in other regions, marking a 12.2% decrease from last year. Experts suggest that seasonal price fluctuations are insufficient to counterbalance long-term factors such as increased production costs, outdated farming equipment, and water shortages during summer in districts like Shahriston, Devastich, and Nourobod.
The lack of modern storage facilities and an efficient transportation network has also contributed to high potato prices, as many farmers rely on intermediaries or use traditional storage methods. Sughd province emerged as the leading potato producer with 640,000 tons, followed by districts under republican subordination and Khatlon province, showcasing significant production increases.
With a per capita consumption of approximately 111 kg, Tajikistan ranks third in the region for potato consumption. The Ministry of Agriculture's initiative to produce over one million tons of potatoes annually underscores the crop's importance. The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade projects a continued increase in potato production, aiming for 1,203,000 tons by 2027.
Dr. Qurbonali Partoyev highlights the necessity of adopting innovative farming technologies and intensifying agricultural practices to improve productivity and efficiency. The cultivation of various potato varieties suited to Tajikistan's diverse climatic conditions, including "Picasso," "Red Scarlett," "Gala," and domestic varieties developed with the International Potato Center, is pivotal for enhancing yield.
Source: Asia-Plus