Collection of fruits and vegetables is going on in Tajikistan. A part of them is exported to the Russian Federation via territories of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
Despite disturbances caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Tajikistan has exported about 70,000 tons of fruits and vegetables this year so far.
According to the statistical data from the Customs Service under the Government of Tajikistan, the country has exported about 54,000 tons of onions, more than 6,000 tons of fresh fruits and about 9,000 tons of dried fruits as of June 8. In total, in the amount of more than 10,000 U.S. dollars, which was 7,700 tons or 2,400 U.S. dollars more than in the same period last year
Pandemic impedes agricultural exports
Pandemic partially impedes the delivery of agricultural goods to the Russian Federation via territories of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. These countries do not impede the transit of goods through their territories but they do not allow drivers of Tajik trucks to enter their territories.
One of entrepreneurs who carry agricultural goods to Russia from the Khatlon province says there are many coronavirus-related obstacles in the way of export of perishable goods.
It is to be noted that these issues have been discussed at a video conference of Central Asian agriculture ministers.
According to FAO Office in Bishkek, the main objective of that virtual conference was in providing support for dialogue between the countries of the region during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tajik agriculture ministry predicts record crop
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture of Tajikistan states that despite the COVID-19 pandemic the agricultural situation in the country under control and large crops of fruits and vegetables, potatoes and cereals are expected this year.
Current total area of greenhouses in Tajikistan is 100.54 hectares and they have grown more than 1,500 tons of early vegetables, including 900 tons of tomatoes and 300 tons of cucumbers.
In accordance with a special national program, 394 refrigerating premises with a total capacity of some 150,000 tons have been established in the country. More than 10,000 tons of agricultural goods, including 4,000 tons of potatoes, 4,000 tons of other vegetables, and 1,200 tons of fruits and grapes are current kept in these refrigerating premises.
Meanwhile, prices for some agricultural goods have already begun to decline at Tajikistan’s bazaars. Current prices are 5.00-6.00 somoni per kilogram for tomatoes, 4.00 somoni per kilogram for potatoes and 3.00-5.00 somoni per kilogram for cucumbers.
