At the beginning of 2026, Tajikistan recorded a noticeable decline in fishing production.
According to the Agency for Statistics under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, the volume of aquaculture output in January amounted to 14.3 million somoni, which is 19.3% less than in the same period last year.
In total, 388.5 tons of fish were produced in the country during the first month of the year. The largest share of the fishing production came from the Khatlon province, accounting for 231.4 tons.
The production structure was dominated by species such as silver carp (59.4 tons), common carp (44.9 tons), trout (94.8 tons), and grass carp (35.2 tons). In addition, 0.5 tons of pike-perch and 153.7 tons of other fish species were harvested.
Despite the decline at the beginning of the year, the authorities consider fishing production one of the promising areas for development of the agrarian sector. In the Program for the Development of the Agri-Food System and Sustainable Agriculture for the period until 2030, the fishing production is identified as an important element in ensuring the country’s food security.
The document notes that Tajikistan has significant potential for the development of fisheries due to its abundant water resources. However, the sector still faces a number of challenges, including a weak production base, a shortage of feed, modern technologies, and qualified specialists.
According to government plans, by 2030 fishing production should cover 50–60% of domestic demand, while the share of locally produced fish on the market is expected to gradually increase. The development of the sector is also expected to create new jobs in rural areas.
In recent years, the number of fish farms in the country has been steadily growing. In 2025, Tajikistan had 366 fish farming enterprises, while the total area of fishery reservoirs reached 2,800 hectares. Total fish production that year amounted to 5,600 tons.
However, experts note that the productivity of fish farming ponds remains relatively low. While in the 1990s it reached 3.0–3.5 tons per hectare, today the figure stands at about 1.5–1.6 tons. The main reasons cited include a shortage of compound feed, worn-out infrastructure, and technological limitations.
At the same time, fish consumption in the country remains far below recommended levels. Tajikistan produces only about 190 grams of fish per capita annually and ranks last among the countries of the former Soviet Union by this indicator. Meanwhile, the recommended consumption level is at least 9 kilograms per person per year.
According to specialists, the population’s access to fish remains limited. Therefore, further development of the fisheries sector is seen as one of the key ways to strengthen food security and improve the population’s diet.
