Over the past week, Tajikistan has seen a sharp rise in the price of greenhouse tomatoes. On major wholesale markets, the cost of this vegetable has increased by an average of 4 somonis, from 16 somonis to 20 somonis per kilogram. In supermarkets and neighborhood stores, the price of tomatoes has risen to as much as 30 somonis!
This price spike can be explained by several factors.
Firstly, there has been a reduction in the production of greenhouse tomatoes in the country. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, 360 tons were harvested this year, whereas last year the harvest amounted to over 600 tons.
Secondly, imports have decreased – 1,100 tons have been imported, compared to 6,500 tons in 2024.
Seasonal tomatoes are expected no earlier than in a month, and experts believe that prices are unlikely to decrease during this period.
Price dynamics: how tomato prices have changed in Dushanbe
Tomato prices in Dushanbe have shown seasonal fluctuations in recent years. In 2023, prices started at 16.50 somonis in January and peaked at 18.75 somonis in December.
In 2024, the situation continued to change, reaching a peak of 21.20 somonis in April. As of 2025, the current price stands at approximately 20.20 somonis per kilogram.
The Impact of tomato imports on Tajikistan’s market
Tomato imports to Tajikistan have increased significantly in the past three years. In 2023, imports amounted to 1,600 tons worth US$1,871,918. In 2024, this figure grew to 6,500 tons worth US$4,151,778. In the first quarter of 2025, 1,100 tons of tomatoes were imported, amounting to $851,816.
Reduction in cultivation areas
As of April 4, 2025, tomato cultivation in Tajikistan took place on an area of 430 hectares. By comparison, last year during the same period, the area under tomatoes was over 3,000 hectares.
The country also has 997 greenhouses with a total area of 174 hectares, of which 63.1 hectares are dedicated to tomatoes.
Price forecast: expert opinion
Agronomist Bakhtiyor Hasanov predicts that prices for greenhouse tomatoes will remain high over the next month.
"Reduced production and limited imports are creating a shortage on the market. Seasonal tomatoes will not appear until a month from now, and during this period, prices are likely to continue rising. Consumers should expect prices in the range of 20-25 somonis per kilogram," he notes.
