Tajikistan has grown more than 1,000 tons of vegetables in greenhouses this year so far; prices, however, still remain high.
Despite the increase in the area of greenhouses and increase in production of agricultural goods in them, Tajikistan has not yet able to meet domestic market’s requirements in agricultural goods.
According to the statistical data from the Ministry of Agriculture, 1,162 tons of vegetables, including tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, eggplant and others, have been grown in greenhouses as of April 8. However, not every resident can afford them, as their prices are very high.
Thus, an average price for one kilogram of bell peppers is 60-80 somonis, tomatoes – 25-30 somonis per kilogram, eggplants – 20-25 somonis, and cucumbers – 12-18 somonis.
According to the Minister of Agriculture, a total area of greenhouses in the country is 118.5 hectares. Most greenhouses are located in Kushoniyon, Jaloliddini-Balkhi, Hisor and Tursunzoda disricts as well as in a number of districts in the Sughd province.
Although an area of greenhouses has been increasing and production of vegetable in them has been increasing from year to year, prices for them remain high.
And this despite the fact that the government last year exempted the import of goods, building materials and equipment for construction of greenhouses from payment of the value added tax (VAT) and customs duties. In all, this list includes 72 items.