Over the first 10 months of this year, Tajikistan has imported over 1 million tons of grain from Kazakhstan, marking an 11% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan remains the main supplier of grain to Tajikistan. From January to October 2024, grain supplies reached 1.02 million tons, compared to 917,100 tons during the same period in 2023.
The Ministry of Agriculture attributes the growth to increased demand for high-quality food grain and successful cooperation between the two countries.
From September to December, the volume of new harvest grain delivered to Tajikistan rose by 51%, reaching 489,000 tons. Kazakh companies, including JSC "NC Food Corporation," actively promote an export strategy that ensures a stable supply of grain to the Tajik market. This company delivered the first 20,000 tons of new harvest food wheat to Tajikistan.
In August 2024, during the official visit of Kazakhstan's president to Dushanbe, agreements were reached on additional supplies of 100,000 tons of new harvest wheat. Kazakh grain is traditionally used both for domestic consumption and for processing and export, playing a crucial role in Tajikistan's economy.
The increase in grain supplies strengthens the country's food security and underscores Kazakhstan's strategic importance as a key partner.
Kazakhstan's grain imports not only bolster bilateral partnerships but also create a platform for Tajikistan's economic growth. Balancing external supplies with the development of the country's own agriculture will be a key factor in ensuring the long-term sustainability of its food market.
Price stability in the grain market and food accessibility remain top priorities for the Tajik government. In this regard, cooperation with Kazakhstan provides Tajikistan with a reliable platform to address current challenges, such as global grain price fluctuations and climate change.
Tajikistan faces the task of balancing grain imports with the development of its own agro-industrial complex to ensure a stable future in a changing global economy.
Tajikistan's annual wheat demand exceeds 2 million tons. Nearly half of this demand is met through domestic production, with the country producing an average of 1 million tons of wheat annually. Due to a growing population, Tajikistan plans to increase wheat imports to 1.285 million tons per year and boost domestic wheat production to 1.032 million tons.
