Tajikistan is rapidly expanding its pomegranate production, with plantation areas now covering around 2,700 hectares, according to the Institute of Botany, Plant Physiology and Genetics of the National Academy of Sciences. Over half of these orchards have been newly established in recent years, with production expected to increase significantly in the next two to three years.
Currently, the annual harvest stands at approximately 18,000 tons. Experts credit this growth to favorable climate conditions and targeted government support for the horticulture sector.
“Pomegranates are not only a valuable food product, but also have medicinal properties and are gaining attention as a component of ecotourism. The government is actively promoting the expansion of plantations and improvements in product quality,” the institute noted.
Pomegranates have been designated a priority subtropical crop under the national Horticulture, Viticulture, and Citrus Development Program for 2025–2029. The program recommends region-specific cultivation of adapted varieties:
· In the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (Darvoz and Vanj districts), varieties like “Muloimdona” and “Surkhanor” are recommended;
· In Khatlon Province — “Turushmazza,” “Shirindona,” “Surkhanor,” and “Muloimdona”;
· In Sughd Province — “Muloimdona,” “Shirindona,” and “Surkhanor.”
The largest pomegranate orchards are located in Khatlon’s Nurek, Dousti, Qubodiyon, and Shamsiddin-Shohin districts, with smaller-scale cultivation in the Hisor Valley and Sughd province.
A subtropical research station in Khatlon’s Jaloliddin-Balkhi district is developing new varieties, including seed-soft and high-export-potential cultivars.
Still, experts say the industry’s potential remains underutilized. Average yields in Tajikistan are around 20 tons per hectare, while leading pomegranate-producing countries like Iran, Israel, and Turkey often exceed 60 tons per hectare.
