Organized by the Ministry of Agriculture of Tajikistan (MoA), a Potato Growers’ Forum and exhibition-fair took place at Mehrgon bazaar in Dushanbe on November 29. The event served as a platform for showcasing farmers’ achievements, strengthening collaboration between producers and scientists, and ensuring access to quality and affordable food for the population.
The forum aimed to support the development of potato farming — one of the key sectors in Tajikistan’s agriculture. It featured presentations of top-performing potato varieties, discussions on increasing yields, and demonstrations of advanced agro-technologies. Residents of Dushanbe were also invited to a public sale of potatoes and potato-based dishes.
According to official data, potatoes were planted on 64,300 hectares in 2025. As of November 1, more than 1.2 million tons of potatoes had been harvested — 69,000 tons more compared to the same period last year.
Tajikistan cultivates both domestic varieties — “Tajikistan,” “Faizobod,” “Zarrina,” “Shukrona,” “Nurinisso,” “Karimi,” “Ovchi,” “Ghonchi” — and popular international ones such as “Evolution,” “Arizona,” “Picasso,” “Aladdin,” “Cardinal,” “Gala,” “Red Scarlett,” and “Manitou.”
Yields for some varieties reportedly reach 30–70 tons per hectare, which experts attribute to improvements in seed quality and the use of modern farming methods.
A highlight of the forum was the socially-oriented potato fair, where farmers from various regions of the country brought around 200 tons of potatoes to be sold at discounted prices — a move aimed at supporting Dushanbe residents amid seasonal fluctuations in food costs.
The exhibition also featured a variety of potato-based dishes and processed products, showcasing the wide culinary and industrial potential of the crop. At the close of the event, the most active participants and winners in several categories were awarded diplomas, certificates of appreciation, and commemorative gifts from the Ministry of Agriculture.
