Tajikistan Shows Higher Potato Output and Focuses on Better Storage

Key Highlights

Tajikistan harvested over 1.2 million tons of potatoes in 10 months
A growers’ forum and fair was held in Dushanbe
Farmers shared methods, seed types and storage ideas
About 200 tons of potatoes were sold at low prices for city residents

Tajikistan has harvested more than 1.2 million tons of potatoes in the first ten months of this year, showing better output than the same time last year. To support farmers and improve shelf life of potato products, the Ministry of Agriculture held a growers’ forum and fair at the Mekhrgon market in Dushanbe.

Why the Forum Was Organized

The forum was arranged to help farmers, researchers and sellers work together in a simple and open way. Officials said the main aim was to support potato farming, which is a key part of the country’s food system.

Farmers brought their best seed types, shared methods from different regions and discussed how better handling and packaging can help potatoes last longer after harvest. Better packaging was one of the main topics because it helps keep moisture, pests and damage under control, which is important for both fresh potatoes and processed products.

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The event also included small talks on raising yield and improving seed quality. Visitors could taste many potato dishes prepared by cooks, showing how widely potatoes are used in homes and small food shops.

Current Harvest and Varieties Grown

Official figures show that potatoes were planted on 64,300 hectares for the 2025 season. By November 1, farms across the country had brought in more than 1.2 million tons, about 69,000 tons higher than last year during the same period.

Tajikistan grows both local and foreign varieties. Local types include “Tajikistan”, “Fayzobod”, “Zarrina”, “Shukrona”, “Karimi”, “Ovchi” and “Gonchi”. Foreign types such as “Evolution”, “Arizona”, “Aladdin”, “Cardinal”, “Gala”, “Red Scarlett” and “Manitou” are also common.

Some of these varieties give between 300 and 700 centners per hectare. Experts say these numbers show progress in seed quality and simple field methods that help protect the crop.

Fair for City Residents

A large part of the event was a fair where growers from many districts brought nearly 200 tons of potatoes to sell at low prices. This was done to help Dushanbe residents buy food at a fair rate during the seasonal rise in prices.

Alongside fresh potatoes, the fair displayed many processed items such as chips, dried flakes and ready-to-cook dishes. These items helped visitors see that better packing and careful sorting can keep potatoes fresh for longer periods.

Awards and Appreciation

At the end of the forum, farmers, cooks and organizers who took part actively were given simple awards, thank-you notes and small gifts from the Ministry of Agriculture.

With higher harvest numbers and shared ideas on packing and storage, Tajikistan’s potato sector is trying to move toward better quality and fewer losses after harvest. Farmers say such events help them learn and prepare for the next season.