Tajikistan is in the middle of its peak persimmon harvest, with orchards in the Vakhsh and Gissar valleys reporting an exceptionally strong yield this year. Known as the country's "sunny fruit" for its bright orange color, persimmons thrive in these regions thanks to fertile soils and favorable microclimates.
Local grower Azizbek, who cultivates five varieties of his orchard, notes that persimmons require careful irrigation, as lack of moisture causes premature fruit drop. The most demanded varieties, he says, are Korolek (king persimmon) and "chocolate" persimmon, valued for their sweetness and excellent transportability. Farmers sell their harvest to wholesalers at around 2.5 somoni/kg (€0.23), while retail prices reach about 5 somoni/kg (€0.46).
Tajik orchards grow a wide range of varieties, from early- to late-ripening types, including: Zengi-maru ("Shokoladnitsa"), Shokhona, Sharki, Vakhsh, Korolek, Persimmon, Budyonovka, Hiakume, Prelestnaya, Pribrejnaya, Tajikistan (local variety), and Batumi. These varieties are well adapted to the country's climate and known for good storability, especially compared to more delicate fruits like apricots and peaches.
Persimmon trees can live up to 500 years, and their fruits are rich in vitamins and micronutrients, making them valuable both domestically and internationally. In recent years, Tajik farmers have begun expanding persimmon processing, especially drying in the Khatlon region, which significantly increases the fruit's market value.
The world produces around 5 million tons of persimmons annually, though global output has slightly declined in recent years. The leading producers are China, South Korea, Azerbaijan, Japan, and Brazil. While Tajikistan's production remains modest, demand for its high-quality fruit is growing.
According to FAO forecasts, the global persimmon market is expected to grow by 6% by 2028, rising from $840 million in 2023 to $1.13 billion in 2028. Current leading exporters include Spain, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan, driven by strong demand in high-price markets such as Germany and the United States, where local production is either limited or absent.
Source: asiaplustj.info
