New Year’s food fairs have opened in several districts of Dushanbe, offering residents a variety of agricultural products at lower prices. These fairs, which began on December 21, will continue through the end of the year.
A reporter from Asia-Plus visited one of the fairs at the Kuruhi Kabir Park to compare prices with those at local bazaars. The fairs feature products from farmers across the country, and according to Dushanbe’s municipal authorities, they offer residents the opportunity to purchase goods at more affordable prices. At the fair in front of the Sadriddin Ayni Opera and Ballet Theater, the fair opens at 9:00 a.m. every day.
Upon visiting the stalls, our reporter found that while prices for many products were similar to those at the bazaar, the cost of meat was notably lower. For example, a kilogram of beef was priced at 65 somonis, and lamb at 75 somonis, while bazaar prices start at 100 somonis.
Comparison of prices at Dushanbe’s bazaars and fairs:
|
Item |
Fair |
Bazaar |
|---|---|---|
|
Beef |
65-75 somonis |
90-100 somonis |
|
Rice |
11-14 somonis |
12-20 somonis |
|
Potatoes |
4.00-4.50 somonis |
5.00-6.00 somonis |
|
Carrots |
2.00 somonis |
2.50-3.50 somonis |
|
Onions |
1.50 somonis |
2.00-3.00 somonis |
|
Cabbage |
3.00 somonis |
5.00-6.00 somonis |
|
Sugar |
9.00 somonis |
11 somonis |
Vendors shared with Asia-Plus that the meat they sell is imported from Belarus and is currently available at bazaars across the country.
Most of the agricultural products presented at the fair appeared to be of high quality and were in high demand among buyers. However, one customer expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of the rice they purchased.
Farrukh Ghafforov, a resident of Mastchoh district (Sughd province), has been selling his honey at the New Year’s fairs for 15 years. He was invited this year by Tojikmatlubot since he is a member of the organization. According to Ghafforov, all transportation and accommodation expenses for farmers were covered by the organization.
Farmers from Rasht and Tojikobod districts shared that they take turns participating in such fairs and view the additional costs as a form of "service to the nation."
The fairs in the capital are organized by the State Reserve Agency and Tojikmatlubot, under the decision of the Dushanbe mayor in celebration of the New Year.
The fairs are located at the following spots in the city:
· Left side of the parking lot near the Mehrgon bazaar;
· Parking lot near the Sino district government office;
· Area next to the Sakhovat bazaar;
· Area near the Kuruhi Kabir Park.
These fairs provide an opportunity for residents to purchase fresh and affordable products in time for the New Year holidays.
