Tajikistan ranks last among CIS countries in meat consumption. According to the 2025 meat consumption per capita ranking, compiled by the Telegram channel Geostatistika, each resident of the country consumes an average of just 35.9 kg of meat per year. This is significantly lower than the figures in neighboring countries.
Comparison with neighbors and global leaders
In comparison, Kazakhstan's average meat consumption per capita is 70.2 kg, Russia's is 81.7 kg, and Belarus leads the CIS with 94.5 kg per person. In Central Asia, Tajikistan also ranks last, lagging behind its neighbors: Kyrgyzstan consumes 38.2 kg per person, Uzbekistan 42.4 kg, and Turkmenistan 59 kg.
Global leaders like Tonga and Mongolia consume over 130-140 kg of meat annually per capita, which is several times higher than the global average consumption.
Rising meat prices
Meat prices in Tajikistan have been steadily increasing. Over the past year, beef prices have risen by 12.6%, while lamb prices have increased by 14.3%. In Dushanbe, a kilogram of local beef with bones costs 100 somonis and boneless meat reaches 145 somonis per kilogram.
Low meat production
According to experts' calculations, Tajikistan's meat consumption needs amount to around 380–385 thousand tons per year. However, even with increased production, the total amount of "clean" meat (after slaughter, without bones, and not in live weight) is only around 235–240 thousand tons.
This amounts to just 24 kg of meat per person annually, compared to the recommended intake of 40.8 kg. Therefore, the country meets only about 58% of the recommended consumption norm.
Conclusions and prospects
This ranking and statistics highlight the low level of meat consumption in Tajikistan, which, combined with the constant rise in prices, reflects challenges in ensuring the population's access to meat. To improve the situation, it is necessary to increase domestic meat production and implement measures to stabilize prices for this essential product.
