Tajikistan grows over 1 million tons of potatoes, yet they remain expensive. Why?

Tajikistan has achieved record potato production figures over the first 10 months of 2024—1,139,936 tons, which is 20.6% more than the previous year, according to data from the Agency for Statistics under the President of Tajikistan.  However, prices remain high.In November 2024, the average price of potatoes in Tajikistan fell by 12.2% compared to the same period last year, amounting to 5.00–6.00 somonis per kilogram in Dushanbe and 4.20–5.80 somonis in the regions.Experts state that seasonal price drops cannot offset the impact of long-term factors.  High costs persist due to rising production expenses.Most potatoes are grown by small farms that often operate with outdated equipment and lack access to modern agricultural technologies.  This reduces productivity and limits the sector’s potential.Another reason is the persistent water shortages in recent years during the summer in districts such as Shahriston, Devastich, Nourobod, and others.High prices are also linked to insufficient logistics and storage infrastructure. Many farmers report a lack of modern storage facilities, forcing them to sell their produce through intermediaries or use outdated storage methods.  Moreover, a weak transportation network increases delivery costs, continuing to exert pressure on the final price.According to official statistics, over half of all potatoes are produced in Sughd province (640,000 tons), 19.8% more than last year.  In districts under republican subordination, potato production reached 283,000 tons, a 25.7% increase.Khatlon province also demonstrated a 19.4% growth, producing 248,000 tons.As of the latest data, Tajikistan ranks 4th in potato production among Central Asian countries.Per capita potato consumption is approximately 111 kg, placing the country third in the region after Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.  Previously, the Ministry of Agriculture stated that 92 kg of potatoes per year per person is necessary.Potato farming in Tajikistan is one of the most important subsectors of agriculture. In 2023, the country adopted a program to produce over one million tons of potatoes annually.According to the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MoEDT)'s forecast, Tajikistan will produce 1,163,000 tons of potatoes this year and increase this figure to 1,203,000 tons by 2027.Since 2018, potato production has grown due to an expansion of planting areas.  "The extensive method of farming is inefficient, especially in hot climates with limited irrigated land," notes agricultural scientist Dr. Qurbonali Partoyev.The expert emphasizes the importance of transitioning to innovative technologies and intensifying agriculture.The average potato yield remains at 21.8–22.3 tons per hectare, below global standards.  Partoyev believes that improving this indicator requires active collaboration with scientists and the introduction of new varieties.Different regions in Tajikistan cultivate potato varieties depending on climatic conditions. The most popular varieties are "Picasso," "Red Scarlett," "Gala," and domestic varieties developed in collaboration with the International Potato Center.