DUSHANBE, July 26, 2008, Asia-Plus — Shortage of water in northern Tajikistan will not lead to flour deficiency in the country, Minister of Economic Development and trade, Ghulomjon Bobozoda, told reporters in Dushanbe on July 25.
According to him, other regions of the country have not bad grain harvests and compared to last year grain production has increased in Tajikistan.
Besides, to avoid possible grain deficiency the government has increased funds allocated for creation of state grain reserves.
“To encourage grain imports the ministry has worked out a bill requiring reduction in value added tax (VAT) on grain and flour imports from 20% to 10% and submitted it for consideration to the parliament,” the minister said, adding that wheat and flour prices have not yet become stable in the country.
However, Tajikistan has enough reserves and there will be no any serious problems with flour supplies, he noted.
