Tajikistan Local Politics - The Times Of Central Asia

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Food Security

Melon Pyramids and Empty Pantries: Tajik and Turkmen Feasts Amid Everyday Shortages

Pyramids of various kinds of melons, fruits laid across the ground to form intricate, traditional patterns, as well as an abundance of fruit, dried fruit, nuts, and bread overflowing from tables, and even fountains, surrounding the edible ground arrangement, and grapes hanging from poles. As an advertisement for national products, a background for international events, or a gift for an ally, Tajikistan is gaining fame for elaborate displays of fruit. It is an amazing sight, with fruits and nuts arranged in patterns that cover large areas of the pavilions and gardens where foreign guests are being entertained. However, as good as these lavish presentations look and taste, these cornucopias are being exhibited in some of Central Asia’s poorest countries, and, unsurprisingly, there has been some discontent and some scandals. For Sale On August 16-17, there was an exhibition of Tajikistan’s products and crafts in the Kazakh capital, Astana, with melon pyramids taking center stage in an exhibition that also featured “over a thousand tons of products: fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, [and] dried fruits.“It was a return performance for the Tajik “masters” who arrange the exhibitions. Astana hosted a fair of Tajik products in August 2023 that drew a big crowd, some of whom were overly anxious to get their hands on the goods. Dozens of people started taking melons and grapes from the pyramids, breaking shelves and decorations in the process. [caption id="attachment_35359" align="aligncenter" width="1597"] Tajik fair in Astana, 2023; image: public domain[/caption] Impress the Guests One of the most memorable grand displays of fruit occurred when Tajikistan hosted the summit of leaders from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) on September 27, 2018. On the eve of the summit, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon walked his guests through a garden flanked by enough food to feed a small town for a month. It was the first time such a spread had been laid out for guests at an international gathering, with Rahmon seeming to appreciate having an agricultural background when hosting a diplomatic event. In July 2019, Rahmon met with then-Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov in the northern Tajik town of Isfara. Conflicts along the Kyrgyz-Tajik border were becoming increasingly deadly, and the two presidents met to discuss ways to ease tensions and resolve the festering problems along the frontier. While the two presidents talked, Rahmon guided Jeenbekov through “6 pyramids… of watermelons and melons, as well as almost 20 types of national breads.“ [caption id="attachment_35360" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Sooronbay Jeenbekov and Emomali Rahmon in Isfara; image: press service of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan[/caption] When Dushanbe hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in September 2021, the feast on the eve of the summit was every bit the equal of the CIS summit in 2018 and featured “huge pyramids of fragrant melons and watermelons, carpets of fresh fruit, grapes cascading like a waterfall, and even fountains of melons.” Rahmon brought his fruit feast to St. Petersburg in October 2022 when CIS leaders gathered for an informal CIS summit...

Food Security

Five-Year Plan for Food Independence in Tajikistan Faces Tough Questions

The Tajik government has approved a new Food Security Program for 2026-2030, aiming to drastically reduce reliance on food imports and enhance the sustainability of Tajikistan’s agricultural sector. Progress and Persistent Challenges The initiative is backed by a budget of 378.2 million somoni (approximately $41.6 million), with nearly 80% funded by international donors. The program’s architects express confidence that Tajikistan can fully meet domestic food needs by 2030, while also improving food quality and accessibility across all social strata. Indeed, progress has been made. In the early 2010s, Tajikistan met only 70% of its food requirements. By 2024, this figure had risen to 80%. Last year alone, agricultural output increased by 10%, with notable growth in cereals, melons, and fruit production. Still, significant structural problems persist: Wheat, sugar, and vegetable oil remain heavily import-dependent Domestic meat production covers only about half of national demand Irrigation infrastructure is outdated and inefficient Climate risks, including droughts, floods, and glacial melt, pose growing threats Additionally, food remains a heavy financial burden: more than 50% of household budgets are spent on food, leaving many families vulnerable to price fluctuations. Key Objectives and Measures The program outlines several goals: Increase agricultural output by at least 10% by 2028 Raise investment in the sector by 15% compared to 2025 Modernize irrigation systems and improve processing infrastructure Introduce digital tools and climate-resilient farming practices By 2030, the government pledges to reduce household food costs, improve livestock productivity, develop logistics infrastructure, and launch targeted support and educational campaigns for vulnerable groups. Budget Breakdown The $41.6 million budget is allocated as follows: $18.7 million - land reclamation and restoration $6 million - agricultural machinery and equipment $5.5 million - development of food and logistics infrastructure (warehousing, cold storage, processing, and transport) $2.5 million - organic crop protection $2.2 million - climate adaptation and sustainable agriculture $1.2 million - livestock development $770,000 - breeding and seed production $407,000 - agricultural digitization $550,000 - nutrition and public awareness programs Funding sources: 79% from international donors 14% from the state budget 7% from the private sector Major risks to implementation include climate-related disasters, deteriorating irrigation networks, technological lags, volatile global food prices, and geopolitical instability. To mitigate these, the government plans to establish a monitoring and early warning system alongside rapid crisis-response mechanisms. Reality or Ambition? The Ministry of Agriculture, along with regional authorities, will oversee implementation. Monitoring will adhere to national standards to ensure transparency. Experts agree the program is ambitious and its success hinges on the pace of agricultural modernization and efficient resource management. Tajikistan’s goal is clear, but success will depend on whether ambition is matched by sustained implementation and adaptability.

Crime

Tajikistan Authorities Step Up Crackdown on Illegal Mining and Electricity Theft

Tajikistan’s Prosecutor General Khabibullo Vokhidzoda has reported a rise in illegal cryptocurrency mining operations and electricity theft across the country. Illegal Cryptocurrency Mining In the first half of 2025, authorities identified and recovered 32 million somoni ($3.52 million) in damages linked to stolen electricity used to power cryptocurrency mining equipment. “There are individuals who import mining equipment from abroad and operate cryptocurrency farms illegally,” Vokhidzoda said. Currently, 4-5 criminal cases are under investigation involving the installation and operation of such devices. Cryptocurrency, he noted, is a digital currency maintained through a decentralized payment system, with mining requiring high-powered computers, stable internet, and substantial electricity consumption. Although Tajikistan does not have a legal framework regulating cryptocurrency mining, law enforcement regularly shuts down illegal farms. Recently, the Sughd Region Prosecutor’s Office uncovered seven cases in which 135 mining devices were found operating inside residential buildings, causing an estimated 287,939 somoni ($31,673) in damages. Widespread Electricity Theft Illegal electricity use remains a major problem. Since January, 3,988 individuals have faced administrative or disciplinary action, while 190 criminal cases have been opened. The total damages recovered so far amount to 38.7 million somoni ($4.26 million). Electricity debts are also mounting: subscribers accumulated 273 million somoni ($30 million) in unpaid bills in the first half of 2025. Nationwide, total arrears stand at 4.6 billion somoni ($506 million), with 1.6 billion somoni ($176 million) owed by households and the rest by enterprises and organizations. Tougher Penalties Introduced This year, Tajikistan increased fines for electricity theft and non-payment. Under the Criminal Code, violations can now result in fines from 27,000 to 90,000 somoni ($2,970-$9,900) or imprisonment for three to ten years. The Administrative Offenses Code also provides for fines ranging from 1,500 to 22,500 somoni ($165-$2,475) for misuse of electricity and heat.

Education

Tajikistan to Introduce 10-Point Grading System in Schools

Beginning September 1, secondary schools in Tajikistan will adopt a new 10-point grading system, the country’s Minister of Education and Science, Rahim Saidzoda, announced at a press conference today, according to Khovar. Saidzoda stated that preparations are already underway for the system’s implementation, including the development of new grade books. The reform is part of a broader effort to align Tajikistan’s educational standards with international practices. Experts emphasize that one of the key objectives is to standardize national grading in line with global benchmarks, making Tajik school diplomas more readily accepted abroad. This change is expected to facilitate Tajik students’ admission to universities in both neighboring and more distant countries. The ministry noted that the new 10-point scale will enhance classroom assessments and examinations by introducing clearer and more consistent evaluation criteria, aligned with advanced education systems. Multi-point grading systems are already widely used in developed nations such as Japan, South Korea, the United States, and France, where 10, 12, or even 20-point scales are standard. In contrast, neighboring Central Asian countries continue to rely on the traditional five-point grading model. For instance, Kyrgyzstan has confirmed that it will retain the five-point scale, according to 24.kg. Uzbekistan also maintains a system ranging from “5” (excellent) to “1” (poor).

UN Adopts AI Resolution for Central Asia at Tajikistan’s Initiative

On July 25, 2025, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution titled “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Creating New Opportunities for Sustainable Development in Central Asia.” The resolution was spearheaded by Tajikistan. A Historic Decision by the General Assembly According to Tajikistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the resolution sets a “historic precedent” in shaping a global framework for the ethical and secure use of artificial intelligence. It also emphasizes the importance of responsible governance, including mechanisms for national and regional self-regulation and oversight of AI technologies. Regional AI Center to Be Established in Dushanbe A central component of the resolution is the proposal to establish a Regional Artificial Intelligence Center in Dushanbe. The center will coordinate AI-related efforts across Central Asian countries, facilitating joint research, startup development, specialist training, and regulatory alignment. The center’s key objectives include: Launching joint educational initiatives and supporting AI start-ups via regional technology parks; Promoting scientific and applied research at universities, laboratories, and research institutes throughout Central Asia; Creating a unified data center network to improve access to computational resources; Harmonizing national monitoring and self-regulation systems in AI; Advancing international cooperation with global partners and specialized organizations. Tajikistan Steps onto the Global AI Stage The resolution stresses the need to develop “safe, trustworthy, and transparent AI systems,” promoting a balance between innovation and regulatory oversight. This, it states, will support sustainable development and digital transformation across the region. Tajikistan’s initiative, culminating in this UN resolution, marks a significant step in the country’s aspirations to position itself as a regional hub for artificial intelligence.

Bilateral Trade

Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan Trade Soars More Than 15-Fold in 2025

Trade between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan has surged dramatically in 2025, increasing more than fifteenfold compared to the same period last year, according to the Customs Service of Tajikistan, as reported by Asia-Plus. From January to May, total bilateral trade reached $6.35 million, up from just $405,100 during the same period in 2024. Tajik exports to Kyrgyzstan amounted to $1.59 million, while imports from Kyrgyzstan totaled $4.76 million. Analysts attribute the sharp rise to improving political relations and the state visit of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov to Dushanbe on July 8-9, at the invitation of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon. Bilateral trade has experienced fluctuations over the past decade. Peak volumes were recorded in 2018-2019, when annual trade neared $60 million, with more than $48 million in Kyrgyz exports to Tajikistan and over $14 million in Tajik exports. Since 2020, however, trade had been in decline, dropping to $26.2 million in 2021, $15 million in 2022, and just $11.4 million in 2023. Figures for 2024 remained low at approximately $11.6 million. The strong recovery in 2025 is largely credited to progress on border delimitation, the opening of two new border checkpoints, and renewed political dialogue. Experts also cite a series of new intergovernmental agreements as contributing factors. On June 30, during the visit of Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin to Cholpon-Ata, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expand trade and economic cooperation. A new target has been set: increasing annual trade to $500 million. Since the beginning of the year, the two countries have signed 15 agreements, including border-related protocols and measures to strengthen both political and humanitarian ties.