Compared to January June last year, the export of melons and gourds, primarily watermelons, over the first six months of this year has increased by 47.2 percent, according to official statistics from the Customs Service under the Government of Tajikistan.
An official source within the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) says Tajik farmers this year have planted watermelons and melons on the area of about 22,600 hectares, which is 1,900 hectares more than last year.
Over the first six months of this year, Tajik farmers have reportedly harvested more than 15,000 of watermelons and melons, which is 5.4 percent more compared to the same period last year.
Buyers, however, complain that watermelons are expensive in Tajikistan; thus, an average watermelon weighing 3-4 kilograms in Dushanbe costs no less than 15.00 somonis.
Merchants, for their part, complain about the cost of transport.
Farmers say that from farmland they sell watermelons at 2-3 somonis per kilogram, and prices are raised by dealers.
Meanwhile, media reports say Tajikistan has boosted early watermelon exports.
Sputnik Tajikistan reported on July 13 that the use of modern cultivation technologies and a substantial yield increase made a watermelon one of the major export products of Tajikistan.
The MoA press center has reportedly reported that favorable weather and modern cultivation methods have allowed improving the quality of fruits, which contributes to boosting exports.
As of July 13, 2023, Tajikistan reportedly exported more than 539 tons of watermelons, primarily to Russia and Kazakhstan, which is 35 percent more than a year ago.
The bulk of the crop has been harvested at farming units Shahritous and Dousti district of Khatlon province and Mastchoh and Spitamen districts of Sughd province.
According to data from the Agency for Statistics under the President of Tajikistan, Tajikistan has exported US$24.1 million worth of 100,000 tons of agricultural goods over the first six months of this year, which is US$3.6 million fewer than in the same period last year.
