Tajikistan, one of the world's leading exporters of dried apricots, has launched a new program to strengthen its apricot industry.
An introductory seminar was held in Dushanbe under the theme "Supporting sustainable development and competitiveness of the apricot value chain in Tajikistan." The event was organized by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and consulting firm Nexigul Mushovir, with support from the Ministry of Agriculture and the national Export Agency.
The initiative is part of FAO's "One Country – One Priority Product" (OCOP) program, launched in 2021 to promote unique agricultural products and improve entire supply chains. In 2022, Tajikistan selected apricots as its priority crop, given their importance for farmers, especially in the Sughd and Khatlon regions.
Although Tajikistan has achieved success in dried apricot exports, the industry still faces challenges: outdated production methods, limited access to technology and finance, weak market infrastructure, and increasing climate risks.
To address these issues, FAO and UNIDO are providing technical support through the global ACTA program (Accelerating the Transformation of Agrifood Systems). Experts are analyzing the apricot value chain, setting development priorities, and preparing an investment plan. The approach focuses on business models, market systems, and partnerships designed to attract new investment.
The seminar brought together government officials, businesses, and international organizations.
"Apricots are not only an important product for the economy but also a symbol of Tajikistan's agricultural heritage. Our goal is to increase the value, quality, and resilience of the apricot sector so it can better support farmers' livelihoods, trade, and climate adaptation," said Agasi Arutyunyan, FAO's acting representative in Tajikistan.
Source: asiaplustj.info