In 2024, Tajikistan’s agricultural output reached 73.9 billion somonis, reflecting a 10.6% increase compared to the previous year. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, agriculture accounted for 24.5% of the country's GDP, underscoring its importance to the national economy. Below are the main agricultural products that contributed significantly to this growth.
1. Revival of sericulture: cocoon production increased 1.6 times
Leading the growth in 2024 was the production of silkworm cocoons, which increased 1.6 times compared to 2023, reaching 361.5 tons. The Ministry of Agriculture attributes this growth to state support for sericulture and the adoption of modern methods of caring for mulberry trees. Efforts to bolster the mulberry-based feed supply included the planned planting of 4.375 million saplings and the development of 180 hectares of new plantations by 2024.
2. Grapes, Apricots, and Apples: Tajikistan’s Signature Crops
Second place was claimed by fruits, with total production reaching 823,000 tons, a 23.9% increase over 2023. This growth was fueled by record harvests of key fruits: grapes, apricots, and apples.
· Grapes — harvest totaled 290,000 tons, 1.5 times higher than the previous year.
· Apricots — production reached 313,000 tons, a 30.5% increase, supported by government programs to establish new orchards and restore old ones. The area of apricot orchards grew to 51,000 hectares, of which 35,500 hectares were productive.
· Apples — output reached 277,700 tons, rising by 22.3%. Modern intensive apple-growing technologies were introduced, with tree spacing set at 4×3 meters, doubling yield potential and enabling the first harvest within 3–4 years after planting.
3. Watermelon: a seasonal star
Ranking third in production growth were melons, primarily watermelons, with a total harvest of 1.15 million tons, up 13.4% compared to 2023.
- Cultivated Area — over 18,000 hectares were dedicated to melons, with up to four harvests per season.
- Main Varieties — the "Neksia" and "Crimson" watermelons, planted under plastic covers starting in February, were particularly successful.
- Yields — irrigated land yielded up to 450 quintals per hectare, while rain-fed lands produced 220 quintals per hectare.
4. A Potato boom
Potatoes secured the fourth spot, with production reaching 1.264 million tons, a 10.4% increase, driven by expanded planting areas and improved seed quality.
- Varieties Grown — popular varieties include "Picasso," "Tajikistan," "Big Rosa," "Red Scarlett," "Gala," and "Cosmos."
- Local Innovations — Tajik breeders, in collaboration with the International Potato Center, developed domestic varieties such as "Zarina," "Dusti," "Faizobod," and "Shukrona."
5. Tajik Onions: Record Harvests and Popular Varieties
Tajikistan harvested a record 837,000 tons of onions in 2024, marking a 7.3% increase compared to 2023.
- Cultivated Area — over 17,000 hectares were dedicated to onion farming.
- Global Rank — according to atlasbig.com, Tajikistan ranks second globally (after the Netherlands) in onion production per capita, with 65+ kg per person.
- Exports — onions are primarily exported to Russia and Kazakhstan.
Key Varieties:
- "Peshpazak" — a short-day variety yielding 30–45 tons per hectare in May and June.
- "Dusti" — a mid-season variety suited for diverse climates.
- "Spanish 313" — known for reliability and popularity among local farmers.
- "Samarkand Red 172" — praised for its storability, ideal for long-term storage.
- "Jaihun": An early, high-yielding variety extensively used by farmers of Fergana farming unit in Panj district of Khatlon province, ensuring stable harvests.
Tajikistan’s focus on modernizing agricultural practices and supporting key crops has significantly strengthened the sector’s role in the national economy, setting a promising trajectory for future growth.
