Cold weather that hit the country from January 11 to January 23 has damaged 10-12 percent of stocks of vegetables, primarily potatoes, carrots and some others, the Minister of Agriculture Qurbon Hakimzoda told reporters in Dushanbe on January 30.
He further noted that onion price hike in the country had resulted from the increasing international prices of onions.
“Tajikistan has temporarily suspended the export of onions, potatoes and carrots until market prices stabilize,” Hakimzoda said.
According to him, Tajikistan will increase areas under onions this year, “and the first onion crop in the south of the country will be obtained in early April that will lead to reduction in onion prices in the country.”
According to the Agriculture Ministry’s forecasts, cold weather can damage early potatoes and fruit trees such as figs, pomegranates and persimmons.
During the news conference, the minister named four priority crops for 2023, namely cotton, onions, potatoes, and carrots.
“If cotton is the largest source of foreign exchange earnings and more workers are employed in its cultivation, three other products make an invaluable contribution to ensuring the country’s food security,” the minister said.
