Tajikistan is expanding its pomegranate sector, with plantation areas now at about 2,700 hectares, according to the Institute of Botany, Plant Physiology and Genetics of the National Academy of Sciences. More than half of these orchards have been established in recent years, and production is expected to increase in the next two to three years.
The current annual harvest is approximately 18,000 tons. Experts attribute the expansion to climate conditions and government support for horticulture. The institute stated, "Pomegranates are not only a valuable food product, but also have medicinal properties and are gaining attention as a component of ecotourism. The government is actively promoting the expansion of plantations and improvements in product quality."
Pomegranates are included as a priority subtropical crop under the national Horticulture, Viticulture, and Citrus Development Program for 2025–2029. The program outlines region-specific recommendations for adapted varieties. In the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, in the Darvoz and Vanj districts, recommended varieties include Muloimdona and Surkhanor. In Khatlon Province, the program recommends Turushmazza, Shirindona, Surkhanor, and Muloimdona. In Sughd Province, recommended varieties include Muloimdona, Shirindona, and Surkhanor.
The largest orchards are in Khatlon's Nurek, Dousti, Qubodiyon, and Shamsiddin-Shohin districts. Smaller areas are in the Hisor Valley and Sughd Province. A subtropical research station in Khatlon's Jaloliddin-Balkhi district is developing new varieties, including seed-soft and export-oriented cultivars.
Experts note that sector potential remains underutilized. Average yields in Tajikistan are around 20 tons per hectare. In comparison, leading producing countries such as Iran, Israel, and Turkey often achieve yields above 60 tons per hectare.
Source: Asia-Plus
