Central Asia Cooperation
Hotspot tracker and China–Central Asia cooperation; sourced from WeChat account Xinjiang Agricultural University Central Asia Research Center
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Central Asia Agricultural Hotspot Tracker (Issue 11, 2026)Kazakhstan 1. Juice imports down nearly 23% Kazakhstan's juice output and consumption keep declining, while carbonated drinks remain more popular with consumers. According to Energoprom.kz, in the first half of 2026 per-capita consumption of carbonated beverages reached 5.25 litres — about 1.5 times the 3.41 litres of fruit juice. From January to August 2026, domestic enterprises produced 45.4 million litres of fruit and vegetable juice, down 9.4% year on year. Fruit juice output fell 8.3% to 43.3 million litres, while vegetable juice dropped 30.2% to 1.9 million litres. Among the main categories, only orange juice grew — up 17.4% to 21.6 million litres over the first eight months, close to half of total fruit juice output. Apple juice fell 23.8% to 10.4 million litres, mixed juice 19.2% to 6.7 million litres, and pineapple juice 8.7% to 1.5 million litres. From January to July, Kazakhstan imported 26,000 tonnes of fruit and vegetable juice, down 22.9% year on year; over the same period domestic output by weight fell 11.8% to 45,200 tonnes. As imports shrank, the domestic producers' share of the juice market rose from 60.3% to 63.5%. Domestic sales also slipped: 70,300 tonnes in the first seven months, down 15% from a year earlier. On the export side, juice shipments fell to 980.6 tonnes, about 40% of the year-earlier volume. Kyrgyzstan remained the largest export market at 664.9 tonnes, followed by Russia, Uzbekistan and Georgia. Russia stayed the top supplier, with 18,100 tonnes (nearly 70% of imports); other main suppliers were China, the Netherlands and Israel. In the first half of 2026, per-capita fruit juice consumption of 3.41 litres was below the 3.6 litres a year earlier — the second consecutive annual decline. Prices kept climbing: in September 2026 juice prices were up 9.7% year on year. Regionally, Mangistau posted the biggest increase at 25.3%, with Ulytau and Kyzylorda at 20.3% and 19.6%. Source: Kazinform (Казинформ) | Date: 2026-10-09 2. Fats-and-oils exports targeted at US$1.5 billion by 2028 Kazakhstan is steadily building the export potential of its fats-and-oils industry, prioritising deep processing of domestic raw materials and production of high-value-added finished goods. The plan is to lift fats-and-oils export revenue to US$1.5 billion by 2028 — a 60% increase over current levels — by expanding production capacity, increasing raw-material supply, developing transport and logistics infrastructure and further opening up foreign markets. Over the past five market seasons, sector export earnings grew fivefold, from US$247 million to US$1.232 billion. Last year the industry accounted for 27% of total exports of processed agricultural products, underscoring the growing role of downstream processing in Kazakhstan's agro-industrial complex. Refining capacity of the country's oil processors already exceeds 5.2 million tonnes a year, and with new investment projects capacity is set to rise further. In 2025 Kazakhstan became the world's sixth-largest sunflower-oil exporter and China's second-largest supplier of sunflower oil; in the 2024/25 season it also ranked among China's top five canola-oil suppliers. It is one of the top three suppliers of sunflower meal to the EU and Chinese markets and meets a sizeable share of Central Asian demand. Trade ties with neighbours are strengthening: Kazakhstan is now a leading supplier of vegetable oil to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan — its share rose from 13% in 2017 to 65% in 2024 in Uzbekistan and to over 90% in 2025; in Tajikistan the share went from 15% in 2017 to 74% in 2024 and over 90% in 2025. Fats-and-oils products are exported to more than 20 countries and territories, mainly China, Central Asian states, EU members and the Middle East. Kazakhstan's long-term goal is to join the world's top three sunflower-oil exporters and lift annual sector export earnings to US$2 billion. Expanding domestic raw-material supply is essential: since 2021 sunflower acreage has grown 2.3-fold, from 958,000 hectares to a record 2.2 million hectares in 2026, though processor demand still outstrips supply. Another effective lever is direct financing from processors to farmers — for spring fieldwork, seed, fertiliser and crop-protection inputs; in 2025 alone more than 43 billion tenge was channelled this way, strengthening the farm-to-processing-to-export chain. Positioned at the crossroads of trade routes linking China, Central Asia, Europe and the Middle East, Kazakhstan benefits geographically. The national oilseed processors' association is coordinating rail shipments of vegetable oil through the Dostyk–Alashankou crossing with Kazakhstan Temir Zholy; under this mechanism the fulfilment rate of China shipment plans rose from under 40% in 2023 to over 90%, and over the past three seasons exports of fats-and-oils products to China grew more than 3.7-fold. Developing the sector is a key lever for economic diversification and expanding non-resource exports. Source: Kazinform (Казинформ) | Date: 2026-10-12 3. Grain threshing reaches 23 million tonnes; exports up 13% At a government meeting on 13 October, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Azat Sultanov said crop farming had posted positive results in the first nine months. Grain output has reached 23 million tonnes to date. Despite a harsh growing season and a planned 1.8-million-hectare cut in wheat area, total grain production is still expected to exceed the long-term average. Oilseed harvesting is accelerating — 3.7 million tonnes threshed so far, 2.5 times the year-earlier figure — and the full-season oilseed harvest is expected to exceed the record 5 million tonnes. Vegetables have also done well: 3.1 million tonnes of vegetables, 2.9 million tonnes of potatoes and about 2.4 million tonnes of melons gathered. Total grain and legume area this year reached 15.6 million hectares, with 96% now harvested and an average yield of 15.2 centners per hectare. Leading grain regions posted average yields of 17 centners/ha in North Kazakhstan, 14 in Akmola and 14.2 in Kostanay. Grain quality is good: over 72.4% of wheat delivered to elevators rated as Class III. New-crop exports are off to a strong start — 1.1 million tonnes shipped by end-September, up 13% year on year — making it vital to keep intake facilities running, move grain promptly and use logistics capacity efficiently. Source: Kazinform (Казинформ) | Date: 2026-10-13 4. Wheatgrass juice to be exported to Russia and the UAE According to the Agriculture Ministry, production potential in Aktobe region is growing. Since 2016, Green Vitamin has produced 100% natural wheatgrass juice from young wheat shoots it cultivates itself, giving the company full control over raw-material quality and a fully optimised production cycle. It currently makes up to 3,000 packs a month and can raise that to 10,000. Its products are sold across all regions of Kazakhstan. Exports are crucial: Green Vitamin already supplies the Russian Federation and the United Arab Emirates (including Dubai), and is finalising a contract with Belarus — a move expected to widen the overseas reach and competitiveness of Kazakh-made products. Source: Kazinform (Казинформ) | Date: 2026-10-14 Kyrgyzstan 1. First national satellite in orbit to monitor crops and pastures Kyrgyzstan's first national satellite has reached orbit. Manas Manbetaliyev, head of the Agriculture Ministry's "Agrarnaya Mysl" (Agricultural Mind) agency, told Kabar that the satellite will use remote-sensing data to monitor agricultural land, crops and pastures regularly and objectively. The data will determine actual sown areas, track crop development and flag zones showing drought, water shortages or other stress; monitoring can deliver fresh readings of farmland conditions weekly and follow changes across large areas. Experts can then run field checks and adjust irrigation and other agronomic measures in time. The indicators are also planned for preliminary yield assessment, combining weather and crop-type data to analyse growth dynamics across the season. Satellite information is to be integrated with the "iDyikan" system and the digital land registry so the sector can compare declared land and sowing data against reality, spot discrepancies and improve accuracy. Manbetaliyev said the expected economic benefit comes first from more efficient land and water use; better data will help plan irrigation, forecast yields and allocate state support more rationally. Source: Kabar (Кабар) | Date: 2026-10-02 2. Autumn harvest nearing completion; grain up 714,000 tonnes vs 2025 Preliminary data from the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry show that in 2026 Kyrgyzstan harvested about 2.5 million tonnes of grain and 965,000 tonnes of potatoes — up 714,000 and 317,000 tonnes respectively from a year earlier — with the autumn campaign nearing completion. The Chui region leads in grain: wheat and barley harvesting is virtually done, grain-corn output exceeded 671,000 tonnes (nearly double last year), vegetables reached 891,000 tonnes and melons 240,000 tonnes; potatoes remain concentrated in Issyk-Kul. Sugar beet is about one-third harvested with an average yield of 420 centners/ha, and in the south cotton harvesting is more than twice as fast as last year, with over 16,000 tonnes delivered to collection points. The ministry said the larger harvest helps secure domestic food supply and provides raw material for processing. Source: Kabar (Кабар) | Date: 2026-10-14 3. Plan to allocate 800 million som to buy beans from farmers At a Jogorku Kenesh session, Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry Erlist Akunbekov, replying to a deputy's question on bean prices, said the authorities are considering allocating 800 million som to support purchases of beans from farmers, with a decision expected within 7–10 days. Under the mechanism under review, red beans would be bought at 100 som/kg and white beans at 130–135 som/kg, prices already agreed with the private sector. The minister noted the funds would cover only part of the expected harvest: Talas region alone produces about 70,000–80,000 tonnes a year, and 800 million som would buy roughly 8,000 tonnes — about 10% of the expected total. Akunbekov said bean cultivation is costly and yields are low, at about 15 centners/ha (1,500 kg); one of the ministry's tasks is to raise the efficiency of agricultural land, and lifting bean yields to 40–60 centners/ha would improve farmers' economics. Source: Kabar (Кабар) | Date: 2026-10-14 Uzbekistan 1. Mirziyoyev proposes food-cooperation programme for landlocked countries President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed a food-cooperation programme starting with Central Asia and bringing together landlocked countries and their transit partners. The proposal appeared in his address to participants of the International Cotton Day and Food Security in Developing Landlocked Countries conference, published on 7 October 2026. He also called on international financial institutions and private investors to join projects in food processing, refrigerated storage and transport. "We stand for full freedom of logistics and trade in food products and for simplifying the rules governing food supplies," the address said. The head of state set a goal of doubling food output by 2030 and tripling exports and added value; to that end, Uzbekistan will strengthen cooperation with international organisations and foreign countries. Mirziyoyev noted that climate change, water shortages, drought and logistics disruptions are pushing food prices up, citing FAO data that over 645 million people worldwide suffer from hunger, with experts warning the number could reach 1 billion by 2028 without action. He said International Cotton Day helps raise Uzbekistan's investment appeal and present it as a reliable partner; scientists, experts and entrepreneurs from more than 30 countries and many international organisations attended the forums. Source: UzA (УзА) | Date: 2026-10-07 2. Fergana grapes exported to South Korea for the first time Grapes from Uzbekistan's Fergana region are being exported to South Korea for the first time. Local company Quva-Agro Star plans to ship 300 tonnes in modern packaging. In preparation, South Korean specialists inspected the company's operations, grape pre-export handling and fumigation procedures, after which a supply plan was agreed. According to the Fergana region administration, the region exported 98,664 tonnes of grapes worth US$97.5 million in 2025, and 80,000 tonnes worth US$63 million in 2026. Besides South Korea, Fergana grapes go to European countries, Belarus, China, Russia, Iraq, Ukraine and other markets. Entering South Korea broadens the region's export map and creates more opportunities for local growers. Source: UzA (УзА) | Date: 2026-10-11 3. Cotton: 76% of crop harvested By 12 October, Uzbekistan had harvested 3.4 million tonnes of raw cotton — 76% of the season's contractual target of 4.5 million tonnes, the Agriculture Ministry reported. Machine harvesting accounted for 2.6 million tonnes and hand-picking 848,000 tonnes, about 75% mechanised. Of the hand-picked cotton, 174,000 tonnes came from field edges (cleared to let machines turn and operate) and 674,000 tonnes from small plots machines cannot enter. About 3,000 high-capacity cotton pickers are in use, and more than 1,000 modern pickers were leased to farms and clusters this year. On 12 October alone, machines harvested 147,000 tonnes, averaging about 50 tonnes per machine. Harvesting continues. Source: UzA (УзА) | Date: 2026-10-13 Tajikistan 1. 60,000-bird broiler farm commissioned in Khatlon On 4 October, President Emomali Rahmon remotely commissioned a broiler farm in Pushiyoni Miyona village, Khudoyor Rajabov rural community, Vose district, Khatlon region, as part of 21 facilities launched that day. Designed to raise up to 60,000 birds and produce chicken meat, the farm aims to increase meat output and supply the domestic market, and created 10 jobs. Poultry is an important part of Tajikistan's agriculture, with domestic producers supplying meat and other poultry products; Vose is an agricultural district of Khatlon where livestock and cropping form part of the local economy. Source: Presidency of the Republic of Tajikistan | Date: 2026-10-05 2. Sughd region: 39,700 tonnes of raw cotton, 33.4% of plan Data from Tajikistan's Agency of Statistics show that by 12 October Sughd region had collected over 39,700 tonnes of raw cotton, 33.4% of the planned delivery. Jabbor Rasulov district had delivered over 5,400 tonnes (47.8% of its 11,300-tonne plan) and Spitamen district about 5,700 tonnes (43.9% of its 13,000-tonne seasonal plan). Among rural communities, Panjakent's (Kanibadam) Patar community performed best. At an award ceremony for first-stage harvesting-competition winners, Sughd governor Rajab Ahmadjoda noted this year's difficult weather — a rainy spring and temperature swings delayed farmers' start — yet despite repeated reseeding farms still achieved good yields; the tougher task now is to finish before the cold sets in. He expressed confidence Sughd would deliver no less than 120,000 tonnes to meet industrial demand. Source: Sputnik Tajikistan (Спутник Таджикистан) | Date: 2026-10-12 3. Dushanbe agri-cooperation meeting on eco-produce exports On 12 October, Agriculture Minister Qurbon Hakimzoda met representatives of development partners. Reported by Khovar, the meeting discussed securing domestic market supply, expanding production capacity, increasing exports of eco-clean agricultural products to world markets, and applying international best practices in agriculture. Per the Agriculture Ministry, the two sides exchanged views on mutually beneficial cooperation, attracting investment, joint projects and adapting international experience. Participants noted that global agribusiness is strained by climate change, more frequent natural disasters, limited water and land, volatile world food markets, rising input costs and supply-chain disruptions — pressures Tajikistan cannot escape. Given its climate and water dependence, sustainable development, higher efficiency, modern methods and food security are especially important. Source: Khovar (Ховар) / Agriculture Ministry | Date: 2026-10-13 Turkmenistan 1. State Exchange: five cotton and yarn deals on 1 October Turkmenistan's State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange (SCRMET) reported new cotton and yarn trades, confirming textiles remain one of the country's most active export channels and a key source of hard-currency trade. In the 1 October session, five deals were concluded — cotton fibre sold to Turkish buyers, cretonne cotton fabric to Kyrgyz entrepreneurs, and cotton yarn on the domestic market — for a total of 11.2 million manat and US$6.7 million. Beyond the headline figures, cotton stays a core agricultural and industrial commodity, and every session that clears textile contracts turns crop output into export revenue and industrial activity. The buyer mix matters: Turkish demand for fibre shows continued regional appetite for textile input, Kyrgyz purchases of fabric show Turkmen textiles finding markets in neighbouring Central Asian economies, and domestic yarn sales show the internal textile chain is still being fed. Analysts note that as long as the exchange keeps clearing fibre, fabric and yarn, Turkmenistan retains a practical channel to convert domestic production into tradable income — though cotton markets remain exposed to weather, price swings and shifts in regional demand, and concentration risk persists. Source: SCRMET / TDH (TDH) | Date: 2026-10-01 2. Cabinet sums up nine months: GDP +6.3%, agriculture +4.1% On 2 October, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov chaired a digital Cabinet meeting summing up the first nine months. GDP growth was 6.3%. The budget revenue side was executed at 100.1% and expenditure at 97.2%. Versus a year earlier, output rose 9.9%, retail trade 10.5%, foreign trade 8.3% and utilised capital investment 3.5%. All sectors posted gains: transport and communications +10.4%, trade and services +8.4% each, construction +6.7%, agriculture +4.1%, industry +3%. The agro-industrial complex's production growth reached 124.2% and the investment-utilisation plan 144.2%. Cotton harvesting and winter-wheat sowing continue across the regions. The oil and gas plan was overfulfilled: oil extraction 109.1%, refining 106.8%, natural and associated gas 109.1%. The president instructed the government to keep steady GDP growth, step up work on the 2027 draft budget, accelerate seasonal farm work and develop transport infrastructure comprehensively. Source: TDH (TDH) | Date: 2026-10-02
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Central Asia Agricultural Hotspot Tracker (Issue 10, 2026)Kazakhstan 1. Grain harvest progress: 61.6% reaped, 13.5 million tonnes threshed as of 9 September Kazakhstan's harvest campaign continues. According to the Agriculture Ministry, as of 9 September farmers had reaped grain crops from 9.6 million hectares — 61.6% of the total area — and threshed 13.5 million tonnes, averaging 14.1 centners per hectare. This year's pace is markedly faster than at the same point in 2025, while new-crop quality indicators remain stable. Licensed grain-receiving enterprises have accepted 2.83 million tonnes. For comparison, intake over the same period last year was 552,700 tonnes — more than a fivefold increase. Grain quality is under special scrutiny. Laboratory tests show 93% of accepted soft wheat meets food-grade standards; within food-grade wheat, Class III accounts for 75%, Class IV 18%, and Class V plus off-grade 7%. Among tested soft wheat, 51% has gluten content above 28%, 23.6% falls between 25–27%, and 25.4% between 23–24%. The figures point to strong food-use potential for the new crop. Other major crops are also advancing: 906,500 tonnes of oilseeds, 2.4 million tonnes of vegetables, 1.8 million tonnes of melons and 1.2 million tonnes of potatoes harvested. To support harvesting and autumn field work, regions have received 401,100 tonnes of diesel. Mineral-fertiliser supply continues: annual demand is 2.3 million tonnes, of which 2.0 million tonnes have been contracted and shipped — 85% of the annual total. Source: Prime Minister of Kazakhstan | Date: 2026-09-09 2. January–August grain exports reach 7.1 million tonnes Kazakhstan's grain harvest is accelerating; 72.5% of the grain-crop area has now been reaped, yielding 16.2 million tonnes. The government keeps its focus on timely harvesting, supplying farmers with the resources they need, and on new-crop storage and transport. From January to August, 9.3 million tonnes of grain were moved, up 13% year on year. Domestic transport accounted for 2.1 million tonnes (+8%). With the new harvest underway in August, that month's grain shipments hit 1.157 million tonnes — a record high and 35% above August last year. From January to August, Kazakhstan exported 7.1 million tonnes of grain, of which 4.8 million tonnes went to Central Asian countries (+37% year on year). Exports to Uzbekistan reached 3.6 million tonnes (+50%), and to Tajikistan 998,000 tonnes (+17%). In addition, 562,000 tonnes were shipped to China (+34%). Since the harvest began, licensed grain-receiving enterprises have accepted 4.4 million tonnes, 50% more than the 3.1 million tonnes a year earlier. The meeting also discussed new-crop transport and sales. The government said it is actively preparing seed reserves for the 2027 spring sowing; regional data show 1.7 million tonnes of seed is ready — 77% of total need — and the fertiliser supply rate stands at 87%, with 2.1 million tonnes already delivered and distributed to producers. More than 130,000 tractors, 29,000 combine harvesters and other agricultural machinery are engaged in the grain harvest. Source: Kazinform (Казинформ) | Date: 2026-09-18 3. 35 Kazakh firms join the China–Kazakhstan grain trading platform; first 24,000-tonne flaxseed export contracts signed Kazakhstan and China have jointly launched a digital trade platform for grain and agricultural products; 35 Kazakh enterprises have registered and signed the first 24,000-tonne export contract for oil flaxseed. The Kazakh International News Agency (Kazinform) cited the Agriculture Ministry. The platform was launched during the 8th China Grain Trading Conference, attended by Deputy Minister of Agriculture Nazgul Khatypova. Built on China's National Grain Trade Center, it connects a network of about 50,000 agricultural enterprises and is operated by the Grain Trade Coordination Center under China's National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration. Through the platform, Kazakh and Chinese firms can trade online, connect directly with potential partners and complete deals with fewer intermediaries. Trading can be by bidding or direct negotiation, including public auctions, invited tenders, negotiated transactions and fixed-price sales. The platform also provides financial guarantees, online settlement, independent inspection and dispute resolution to improve security and transparency — expected to make export deals faster and pricing more predictable. Khatypova said: "35 Kazakh enterprises have registered on the platform and signed a 24,000-tonne oil flaxseed export contract. This shows the strong interest Chinese partners have in Kazakh agricultural products." Initially the platform covers grains, oilseeds, vegetable oils and other oil-and-fat products, with categories later expanded to match Chinese market demand. Source: Kazinform (Казинформ) | Date: 2026-09-05 4. Tokayev proposes a joint food-industry cluster with South Korea; about 80 deals worth US$19 billion signed President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said the roughly US$19 billion in agreements between Kazakhstan and South Korea must be turned into concrete business projects. According to his statement, the two sides signed about 80 commercial agreements. Tokayev devoted a dedicated section to agriculture. He noted Kazakhstan's grain output hit a record ~27 million tonnes last year: "Agro-industrial complex products are exported to more than 70 countries, worth US$7 billion. Kazakhstan has vast land resources, while South Korea is a recognised leader in efficient, high-tech agriculture. We propose combining our competitive advantages to build a joint food-industry cluster focused on production, deep processing and export to international markets. Kazakhstan offers Korean companies not just a sizeable market but broad opportunities to locate production bases, bring in technology and access the Eurasian continental market." Tokayev also stressed that "Central Asia's economic success is inseparable from the sustainable development of each country, and strengthening regional connectivity will let us fully unlock the region's overall economic potential." Source: Akorda (Presidency of Kazakhstan) | Date: 2026-09-15 5. Tokayev proposes a "resources-for-technology" model: expand exports of grain, oilseeds, meat and dairy to Korea, build an agro-industrial value chain Tokayev said Kazakhstan is ready to expand exports to South Korea of grain, oil crops, meat, dairy products, honey and more. A more ambitious, longer-term proposal is to build a Kazakhstan–Korea agro-industrial value chain that combines Kazakhstan's agricultural resources with Korean technology. The model means processing more farm products before export rather than relying on primary-commodity exports. Early cases already exist: Kazakhstan and Korean partners recently agreed a US$1.3 million meat-processing project, and other deals involve supplying Korean markets with Kazakh beef and sunflower oil. In the first half of 2026, Kazakhstan's exports to South Korea grew 17.2%. Tokayev also cited Lotte's investment in Rakhat as an existing example of Korean participation in Kazakhstan's food industry. Tokayev further proposed that Kazakhstan provides location, mineral and agricultural resources, energy capacity and access to Eurasian transport corridors, while Korea brings technology, capital, engineering expertise and industrial enterprises. Astana wants more of the value created between the two ends to stay in Kazakhstan through processing, component production, manufacturing, data infrastructure and research. Source: Kazakhstanskaya Pravda / business press | Date: 2026-09-15 6. January–August processed-milk output reaches 441,300 tonnes The latest National Bureau of Statistics data show that in January–August 2026 Kazakhstan produced 441,300 tonnes of processed dairy products (processed milk). The figure is up 0.2% from 440,500 tonnes in the same period of 2025. The leading regions in processed-milk output over the eight months were North Kazakhstan (120,800 t), Akmola (96,200 t), Almaty region (64,700 t) and Kostanay (43,000 t). For full-year 2025, national processed-milk output reached 671,000 tonnes, up 6.2% from 2024. On foreign trade, from January to July 2026 Kazakhstan exported 2,900 tonnes of processed milk, up 3.0% from 2,800 tonnes a year earlier. Russia (2,240 t), Uzbekistan (307.9 t) and Tajikistan (194.0 t) were the main export markets. In the first nine months, domestic economic growth was strong, with construction, manufacturing, transport and warehousing, trade and agriculture remaining the main drivers of GDP growth. Source: Kazinform (Казинформ) | Date: 2026-09-29 Kyrgyzstan 1. Kyrgyzstan and JICA cooperate to develop a fruit-and-vegetable cluster Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry signed a protocol after talks with representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). According to the ministry, the protocol was signed by Deputy Minister Rysgul Akimzhanova. It was adopted to prepare a joint project planned for implementation in 2027, aimed at developing vegetable and fruit-and-vegetable clusters. The project goals are to raise the competitiveness of domestic vegetables, fruits and berries, and to create added value across the chain from production through processing, storage and sales. The talks discussed applying the cluster approach, introducing modern technology and developing organic agriculture. Special attention went to strengthening organic-agriculture laboratory capacity and upgrading professionals' qualifications. The signing marks another step in Kyrgyzstan–JICA cooperation to develop the agricultural sector and raise the export potential of fruit and vegetable products. Source: Kabar (Кабар) | Date: 2026-09-04 2. Kyrgyzstan talks bean exports to Pakistan; export potential exceeds 50,000 tonnes Kyrgyzstan's Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry, Erlist Akunbekov, met Pakistani Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Altamash Wazir Khan. At the outset, both sides noted the multiple high-level visits in a short time and stressed that the key agreements reached at head-of-state level must be turned into concrete content — projects, investment and tangible results for the citizens and business communities of both countries. The bilateral talks focused on exports of Kyrgyz-grown beans to Pakistan. Both sides attached special importance to establishing direct links between Kyrgyz producers and Pakistani importers, organising and taking part in bilateral trade fairs, and setting concrete supply volumes and deadlines. Statistics show Kyrgyzstan's bean export potential exceeds 50,000 tonnes, and Kyrgyz beans enjoy steady demand in overseas markets. In 2025, bean exports totalled US$67 million. Notably, in recent high-level visits both sides confirmed a wish to raise bilateral trade to US$200 million within two years. To reach that goal, they agreed to step up supplies of Kyrgyz agricultural products to the Pakistani market and to launch joint practical actions to expand bilateral trade. Source: Kabar (Кабар) | Date: 2026-09-08 3. Nationwide grain harvest 75% complete; wheat 96% in Across Kyrgyzstan, grain crops are 75% harvested. Turlubek Idrisov, head of the ministry's Plant Growing and Horticulture Directorate, told Kabar. Wheat is 96% harvested, barley 82% and corn 15%. Legumes including beans have just begun, at about 8–10%. Idrisov said: "The national average grain yield is 2.7–3 tonnes per hectare. Barley and wheat average 3 t/ha each. In southern regions and Chui region, grain yields reach 3.5–4 t/ha." The ministry said vegetables are 55% harvested, potatoes 30%, melons 60–65% and oilseeds 10%. Idrisov said: "Vegetables average 7 t/ha, potatoes 18–20 t/ha. Melons average nearly 20 t/ha. Sugar beet, cotton and tobacco have not yet begun." By region, Chui leads in grain at 3.04 t/ha (wheat 3.3, barley 2.96); Talas and Jalal-Abad are at 2.9 and 2.78 t/ha. Osh leads in vegetables and melons with 17 t/ha of vegetables and 18.75 t/ha of melons. Batken leads potatoes at 15.9 t/ha. Jalal-Abad leads oilseeds at 12 t/ha. Idrisov said winter-wheat sowing will begin within one to two weeks. "This year the plan is 200,000 hectares of winter grain crops. The relevant government resolution draft will be prepared and signed soon. Seed is sufficient and mineral fertiliser is being supplied. Moisture-conservation work is underway; about 300,000 hectares are planned this year." Autumn fuel supply is adequate. Sanzharbek Kokoshero, deputy head of the Anti-Monopoly Regulation Service, said farmers need about 40,000 tonnes of diesel for autumn field work; national reserves can meet 1–1.5 months of demand. "The state material-reserve fund holds government-procured fuel priced for farmers. Diesel is now 96 som per litre. Farmers can buy through rural administrations or regional representatives of the state reserve fund. Reserves are sufficient." Source: Kabar (Кабар) | Date: 2026-09-16 4. Kyrgyz–Russian agro trade hits US$652.3 million; sides agree a fisheries-cooperation roadmap During a working visit to Russia, Kyrgyzstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry, Erlist Akunbekov, met Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev in St Petersburg. The Kyrgyz Cabinet announced this. The meeting took place on the margins of the 11th International Fisheries Forum (16–18 September). Statistics show that 2025 Kyrgyz–Russian bilateral trade in agricultural and processed products reached US$652.3 million, up US$88.5 million from 2024; in 2024 the figure was about US$563.8 million. Both sides noted the need to move from mere trade to joint production. In this context they stressed the importance of building joint processing enterprises, developing logistics and storage infrastructure, and adopting internationally standardised packaging. Akunbekov proposed drafting new bilateral joint projects for all-round cooperation in fisheries and agro-processing, while expanding the presence of Kyrgyz-made products in the Russian market. Patrushev said Russia is ready to advance these initiatives and deepen cooperation in the agro-industrial complex. After the talks, the two sides agreed to draft a joint roadmap for fisheries-cooperation projects. The forum hosted Seafood Expo Russia 2026, with national pavilions from India, Iran, China, Kyrgyzstan and Russia; fisheries entrepreneurs attended. Akunbekov visited the expo to provide state-level support for participating Kyrgyz aquatic-product producers, including exchanging experience with fisheries entrepreneurs already in international markets, finding partners and promoting Kyrgyz exports. Source: Kabar (Кабар) | Date: 2026-09-19 5. Kyrgyzstan temporarily bans fish-feed imports for six months (Cabinet Order No. 606) Kyrgyzstan's Cabinet introduced a temporary ban on fish-feed imports for six months, effective 10 September 2026, covering "other" fish feeds under HS code 230990. Cabinet Order No. 606 was adopted on 9 September and took effect on 10 September. The ban does not apply to feed produced in EAEU countries, transit goods, feed for research, breeding and trial purposes, or feed supplied under international agreements. Fish feed for which importers had paid before 9 September and which veterinary authorities confirmed is also allowed. A clause permits importing raw materials for fish-feed production with written confirmation from the relevant department. The Cabinet said the move aims to support domestic fish-feed production, develop aquaculture, ensure food security and reduce dependence on imports. The Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry was tasked with compiling a list of domestic producers, monitoring fish-feed market supply and taking measures to develop production and exports. Source: Kyrgyzstan financial media (24.kg / Akchabar) | Date: 2026-09-10 6. Kyrgyzstan temporarily bans livestock exports for six months (Cabinet Order No. 607) Kyrgyzstan's Cabinet introduced a temporary ban on exporting cattle, horses, sheep and goats for six months. Cabinet Order No. 607 was adopted on 10 September and took effect from the date of official publication. Statistics show that in January–June 2026 Kyrgyzstan exported 14,823 cattle worth US$3.2 million, all to Uzbekistan, a 32% volume increase year on year. Over the same period it also exported 194 horses, donkeys and mules worth US$84,800, of which 170 went to Uzbekistan and 24 to Kazakhstan. Kyrgyzstan exported no sheep or goats in 2026; a year earlier it exported 10,030 worth US$981,400. The ban does not apply to transit, racehorses, horses exported as gifts, pedigree sheep, livestock not raised in Kyrgyzstan, or air-transported horses and donkeys. Source: Kyrgyzstan financial media (24.kg / Akchabar) | Date: 2026-09-10 Uzbekistan 1. January–July foreign trade US$49.5 billion; fruit-and-vegetable exports US$1.025 billion, 1.28 million tonnes In January–July 2026 Uzbekistan's foreign trade turnover reached US$49.5 billion, up US$3.7 billion (+8.1%) year on year. On imports, machinery and transport equipment led at US$9.7 billion (32.8% of the import total); manufactured goods US$4.4 billion, chemicals and related products US$3.6 billion, and food and live animals US$3.3 billion (+41.9%). Exports overall fell, but non-gold exports grew strongly to US$9.8 billion (+27.7%). Service exports rose 35.3% to US$7.3 billion, of which tourism accounted for 53.8% and transport services 31.7%. Textile exports rose 26.6% to US$1.9 billion; fruit-and-vegetable exports reached US$1.025 billion, with volume of 1.28 million tonnes. Over the period Uzbekistan expanded trade relations with more than 200 countries. China remained the largest partner at US$11.26 billion, followed by Russia (US$8.13 billion), Kazakhstan (US$3.27 billion), Turkey (US$1.65 billion) and Afghanistan (US$1.23 billion). Source: Kazinform (Казинформ) | Date: 2026-09-02 2. Uzbekistan and Russia discuss new agro projects: 7,000 Holstein breeding cows and 500,000 tonnes of wheat per year Uzbekistan and Russia are studying new cooperation projects in the agro-industrial complex, including localising dairy and confectionery production, and supplying breeding cattle and grain. On 11 September in Moscow, Davron Vakhabov, chairman of the Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, met Ali Uzdzhuev, board chairman of STEP Agricultural Holding. They discussed prospects for joint projects in Uzbekistan's agro-industrial complex. One proposal is to supply Uzbekistan with 7,000 Holstein breeding cows annually, later distributed to households in mahallas (communities) across the regions. The breed is known for high yields, with some individuals producing over 40 litres of milk per day. The initiative is expected to support household businesses, create stable incomes and help families escape poverty. The two sides also discussed the possibility of supplying Uzbekistan with 500,000 tonnes of Russian wheat via the Caspian Sea, tied to Russia's bumper harvest this year. They also examined logistics routes using the ports of Astrakhan and Makhachkala. After the talks, the Chamber and STEP agreed to continue cooperation in these directions and to develop concrete mechanisms for joint projects. Source: UzDaily (Ўзбекистон бизнес) | Date: 2026-09-12 3. H1 agriculture, forestry and fisheries attracted 26 trillion soum in foreign investment and loans, +54% year on year According to the State Statistics Committee, in January–June 2026 Uzbekistan's agriculture, forestry and fisheries attracted foreign investment and loans on a fixed-asset-investment basis of 26 trillion soum (~US$2.2 billion), 10% of the national total of foreign investment and loans. The scale has grown markedly: H1 2022 was 3 trillion soum (~US$254.6 million), 2023 2.4 trillion (~US$203.7 million), 2024 6.1 trillion (~US$517.7 million), 2025 16.9 trillion (~US$1.4 billion) and 2026 26 trillion (~US$2.2 billion). Thus H1 2026 foreign investment and loans in the sector rose about 54% year on year and nearly 8.7-fold versus H1 2022. Agriculture, forestry and fisheries remain a major part of Uzbekistan's economy. In H1 2026 the sector accounted for 15% of gross value added; output rose 4.7% year on year. Analysts say the rapid inflow indicates rising investor interest in Uzbek agriculture, likely driven by opportunities in food production, processing, irrigation, logistics and export-oriented agriculture; the key challenge is converting the fast inflow into higher productivity and export capacity. Source: Geostrategic Consensus (azerbaijantimes.org) | Date: 2026-09-15 4. Uzbekistan launches nationwide monitoring of cotton-picking labour conditions for 2026 Uzbekistan will conduct nationwide monitoring of cotton-picking labour conditions from 25 September to 31 October, aiming to prevent child and forced labour in the fields. The Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan announced the launch at an 18 September press conference. The monitoring group comprises 65 experts — five per region — including sector union representatives, federation labour inspectors, and members of the Chamber of Commerce and the national association of non-state non-profit organisations. Every Monday and Saturday at 7 a.m., team leaders receive random GPS coordinates for up to three locations in their region and must reach the site by 9 a.m. for inspection; daily data and photos are reported to the federation. From 15 September, the federation and its branches have maintained 24-hour duty throughout the cotton season. Labour-rights violations can be reported via short number 1092, the federation website or its Telegram bot. Authorities have put up 200 banners nationwide and plan 10,000 more posters, and will distribute 200,000 leaflets to pickers. Federation deputy chair Bakhtiyor Makhmadaliev said the current system is completely different from 2020 or even a decade ago, when forced labour carried no administrative or criminal liability; now the Administrative Liability Code has stiffened penalties and the Criminal Code added a dedicated article. He said recent monitoring recorded no child or forced-labour cases, but persistent problems include wage arrears, contract-less employment and substandard conditions. Last season's monitoring found: in 2025 no child or forced labour, but 166 wage-arrears cases (involving 8,752 pickers), 227 contract-less employment cases (9,075 people), and 1,222 pickers at 24 farms and clusters lacking necessary work and rest conditions. The State Labour Inspectorate under the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction inspected 986 farms, fining 116 officials a combined 397.44 million soum; its hotline (1176) and Telegram bot received 222 wage-arrears complaints, with pickers later compensated 1.785 billion soum. The 2026 monitoring's overall conclusions will be published in December 2026. Source: Tashkent Times | Date: 2026-09-18 5. Uzbekistan working group visits Poland to push farm products into the European market A Ministry of Agriculture working group paid a working visit to Warsaw, Poland, from 14 to 17 September. During the visit the two sides discussed ways to bring Uzbek agricultural products into the European market, develop trade and logistics links, and expand bilateral cooperation. In talks with Poland's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, they reviewed priority cooperation directions, exchanging views on supporting bilateral agricultural trade, establishing joint logistics and trade centres, and developing direct cooperation between research institutions. To assess supply and sales opportunities for Uzbek products in the Polish market, the group visited major Warsaw trade-logistics complexes and met the management of the Bronisze Trade Centre — one of Central and Eastern Europe's largest wholesale food markets — and the Praga Gielda complex. Talks focused on the possibility of importing and distributing Uzbek products through these complexes to the Polish market. Their management expressed willingness to provide practical assistance in promoting Uzbek products. In talks with Polish entrepreneurs, the two sides examined establishing a logistics centre to expand sales of Uzbek enterprises' products and agreed to hold trilateral talks with the involvement of the Uzbek Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Another important direction is personnel training and practical-experience exchange. The group met representatives of the agricultural producer Green Crops to discuss expanding internship programmes for Uzbek students. During the visit the group also attended an event at the Uzbek embassy in Poland marking the country's 35th independence anniversary. Source: UzDaily (Ўзбекистон бизнес) | Date: 2026-09-19 6. Uzbekistan strengthens judicial protection in agriculture: Agro-Industrial Complex Development Agency exempt from state duties Uzbekistan has strengthened the legal-protection mechanism for agricultural operators. The relevant provisions were made by Law No. O'RQ-1170, adopted on 9 September 2026, amending and supplementing a series of legal acts including the State Duty Law. Under the new rules, the "Agro-Industrial Complex Development Agency" under the Ministry of Agriculture is exempt from state duties when filing suits with civil and economic courts. The exemption applies to applications, complaints and statements the agency files to protect its own rights and lawful interests, and to protect the rights and lawful interests of fruit-and-vegetable growers and processors and greenhouse operators. Thus, within the scope of protecting the interests of those categories, the agency may file suits exempt from state duties. The law took effect from the date of official publication. Source: UzDaily (Ўзбекистон бизнес) | Date: 2026-09-11 7. Subsidy allocation and insurance system in agriculture to be improved President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed proposals to improve the subsidy and insurance allocation system in agriculture. In recent years state support to agriculture has expanded and subsidy disbursement has been progressively digitalised. This year agricultural subsidy programmes grew to 29 areas and 91 types, with total allocations of 2.7 trillion soum. Application processes in some areas were launched earlier and payment terms were sharply shortened. The report stressed that subsidies should be tied not just to cost recovery but to concrete results. It recommends transitioning next year from a "fund disbursement" model to a "performance subsidy" model. The new system will focus on productivity, water and energy efficiency, and the output obtained from resource use. All data will be drawn automatically from the information systems of relevant government agencies, with no manual intervention. Every subsidy beneficiary will receive an electronic passport whose results are monitored online. Initially the mechanism will be used to promote water-saving technologies. After disbursement, water use, productivity and water efficiency will be assessed over two to three years. If set indicators are not met, a subsidy-recovery mechanism will be triggered. This will ensure public funds are used in a targeted and effective way. By 2027, the plan is to insure 45,000 agricultural enterprises, raise agricultural insurance coverage to 60%, train 500 independent experts, and fully digitalise insurance services. The new scheme will prioritise risk prevention alongside loss compensation. It was proposed to channel 3–5% of insurance premiums into a special fund for livestock vaccination, prevention and veterinary services, cotton and grain crop bioprotection measures, and construction of natural-disaster protection facilities for horticulture and viticulture. Source: UzA (ЎзА) | Date: 2026-09-25 Tajikistan 1. 35th independence anniversary: agricultural output up 122-fold in 25 years; basic-food self-sufficiency exceeds 85% Over the past 25 years Tajikistan's agricultural output grew 122-fold, reaching 85 billion somoni in 2025. Over this period grain output grew 6-fold, potatoes 12-fold, vegetables 11-fold and fruit 48-fold. These figures were stated by President Emomali Rahmon in his address for Tajikistan's 35th independence anniversary on 8 September. Notably, total agricultural output is 3.7 times that of 1991. The agricultural sector accounts for over 21% of GDP and employs more than 61% of the population. The head of state stressed: "Today, the level of providing the people with basic food through our own production has exceeded 85%." Thanks to measures taken, the population's supply level for basic food relative to physiological consumption norms has risen. Since independence, output growth has been: potatoes +135.4%, vegetables 2.4-fold, onions 4-fold, carrots 3.9-fold, melons and gourds 3.9-fold, fruit and grapes 100%, meat 104.1%, milk 100% and eggs 74%. Agriculture is one of the most important sectors of Tajikistan's national economy; realising the state's food-security strategy goals depends heavily on its development. Source: Khovar (Ховар) | Date: 2026-09-13 2. Tajikistan allocates 86,000 hectares for nurseries and seedling farms, serving the 2040 greening plan Tajikistan has allocated 86,000 hectares for building nurseries and seedling farms. This is part of the country's greening plan to 2040, which proposes planting up to 2 billion trees nationwide. Other agriculture- and climate-related information from the same period: Tajikistan submitted its new climate plan NDC 3.0, committing to cut greenhouse-gas emissions by 15% by 2035; the document also sets out measures to adapt to climate change and develop green solutions, with a separate section on social issues including protecting vulnerable groups, gender equality, inclusion and creating green jobs. The document was prepared by government agencies, experts and civil-society representatives with technical support from the UN Development Programme (UNDP). In addition, in H1 2026 Tajikistan registered 741 natural-disaster emergencies, causing 12 deaths and nearly 53 million somoni in losses; experts called for stronger early-warning systems, glacial-lake monitoring, public disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience. Source: Khovar (Ховар) | Date: 2026-09-04 3. Cotton output more than halved year on year: only 68,200 tonnes harvested by 20 September, 17.3% of annual target According to the Agriculture Ministry, by 20 September Tajikistan had harvested 68,207 tonnes of cotton — 17.3% of the annual target and down more than half from the same period last year. For the 2026 harvest the authorities set a target of 394,700 tonnes from 164,800 hectares. By comparison, by 20 September 2025 farmers had harvested 142,844 tonnes. Thus the current harvest is 74,600 tonnes (52.2%) below the year-earlier level. Despite the slower pace, the 2026 target is only slightly above last year's actual output — in 2025 Tajikistan harvested 392,200 tonnes. Harvesting remains slow in some cities and districts, with collections below 10% of plan. Relevant departments have urged farmers to make full use of favourable weather, add machinery and labour, and ensure timely delivery of harvested cotton to collection points. Cotton exports remain predominantly raw material. According to the State Customs Committee under the government, in 2025 the country exported about 93,000 tonnes of cotton fibre worth US$142.1 million; 11,240 tonnes of cotton yarn worth US$25.05 million; and 3,250 tonnes of fabric and finished textiles worth US$9.45 million. Under the "State Programme for Innovative Development of Cotton Cultivation 2026–2030," Tajikistan plans to introduce modern cultivation techniques, expand mulch and drip irrigation, and raise domestic cotton-processing capacity. Source: Sputnik Tajikistan (Спутник Таджикистан) via Jinqiao Textile Network | Date: 2026-09-21 4. Rasht-district juice plant and cold-storage facility commissioned: annual juice capacity up to 1.2 million litres, cold storage 600 tonnes On 11 September, during a working visit to Rasht district, President Emomali Rahmon inaugurated a juice-production plant, a subsidiary of the district's food industry. The plant was set up to develop domestic production, process local raw materials, increase import-substituting output, and supply high-quality products to the domestic market. The president was informed that construction began in 2023, was completed in August 2026, and involved 30 specialists. On commissioning, 17 local residents gained permanent jobs. The plant is equipped with the necessary production facilities and is designed to produce juice in glass containers from 0.5 to 1 litre. Its seasonal capacity is 540,000 litres and annual output up to 1.2 million litres. Raw materials come from district farms; finished products are distributed to surrounding areas and other cities and districts of the republic. The plant also plans to export products overseas. Subsequently, Rahmon unveiled the plant's cold-storage facility. The cold store totals 500 m² with total chamber capacity of 600 tonnes of product; the plant warehouse is designed to store up to 200 tonnes. Such storage capacity will provide more opportunities for preserving produce, preventing loss, creating favourable conditions for local raw-material processing, and supplying fresh domestic products to the consumer market. Source: Khovar (Ховар) | Date: 2026-09-11 5. Khatlon region accounts for over 53% of Tajikistan's total agricultural output Today Khatlon region accounts for over 53% of Tajikistan's total agricultural output, while leading in production of cotton, grain, vegetables, melons, fruit and other produce. On 4 September, President Emomali Rahmon, in a meeting with Khatlon leaders and activists, analysed the district's education, health and culture since independence, noting that the government has laid solid foundations for developing these areas. He stressed that over the years a total of 17.7 billion somoni went to education development in the region, 7.4 billion to health, and 1 billion to culture. Source: Khovar (Ховар) | Date: 2026-09-04 6. Tajikistan plans to harvest over 408,000 tonnes of livestock feed In Tajikistan the winter cattle-feed harvesting campaign continues. In 2026 the plan is to harvest 297,630.9 tonnes of coarse fodder and 110,610 tonnes of succulent fodder nationwide. As of 14 August, the country had harvested 222,085.9 tonnes of coarse fodder and 32,017.6 tonnes of succulent fodder. Creation of protected areas continues. Against the backdrop of climate change and water scarcity, timely feed harvesting and building sufficient reserves are seen as an important part of ensuring food security and sustainable livestock development. Tajikistan has 3.8 million hectares of pasture — the main feed source for livestock. To raise pasture grass yields, the "Tajikistan Pasture Development Plan 2023–2027" is being implemented. Natural feed sources include meadows and pastures. In addition, annual and perennial fodder grasses, root crops, grain-legume mixed crops, corn and other feed types are grown. Feed collection is considered the foundation of livestock development. By expanding fodder crop area, effectively using meadows and pastures, growing high-yield fodder crops, adopting modern storage and raising feed nutritional value, the production and accumulation of herds is ensured. Strengthening the feed base is one of the main factors in livestock development. Providing animals with basic feed to set standards helps raise productivity and product quality, prevent metabolic disease, improve reproductive capacity and prevent illness. Source: Khovar (Ховар) | Date: 2026-09-29 Turkmenistan 1. President orders timely settlement with wheat and cotton producers; autumn sowing and cotton harvest advance in parallel President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has instructed that settlements be completed in a timely manner with wheat and cotton producers and agricultural service enterprises. The instruction was issued in a news release from the Turkmen government press service. It was given by the president at a working meeting with Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Tangryguly Atakhallyev and the regional governors. The release said: "President Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed to ensure timely payment for work completed between wheat and cotton producers and service providers and institutions in the regions." The instruction comes as Turkmenistan carries out its main autumn agricultural operations. Nationwide sowing of wheat for the 2027 harvest began on 2 September, and cotton harvesting was set to start on 9 September. At the meeting, Atakhallyev reported progress in preparing the regions' cotton harvest and the steady advance of wheat sowing backed by agricultural machinery and quality seed supply. The meeting also covered winter potato and other grain crop planting, including rice in Dashoguz and Lebap regions and sugar beet in Mary region. According to FAO data, agriculture is one of the pillar sectors of Turkmenistan's economy, 12% of GDP, employing a considerable share of the workforce. The sector mainly grows strategic crops such as cotton and wheat, plus vegetables, fruit and melons. Investment flows are mainly state-funded, prioritising irrigation-system construction, land-improvement projects, agricultural-machinery procurement, and processing facilities for crop and livestock farming. Source: Trend (Тренд) | Date: 2026-09-08 2. Turkmenistan officially launches the 2026 large-scale cotton harvest Turkmenistan's traditional "White Harvest" — the large-scale cotton-picking campaign — has officially begun, with the start date approved by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov at a Cabinet meeting. On 9 September, farmers across all regions simultaneously began picking "white gold," opening the season with the traditional "white motorcade." The development of the domestic agro-industrial complex and cotton cultivation rests on large-scale transformation, active application of innovative technologies, improved land-improvement conditions, and scientific cultivation techniques tailored to local soil and climate. The state prioritises comprehensive support for agricultural workers, supplying tenant farmers and farmer associations with necessary machinery, quality seed, mineral fertiliser and irrigation water on preferential terms under the current socio-economic development state programme. To keep the harvest running smoothly, round-the-clock on-site machinery maintenance is organised, and good working and rest conditions are created for machine operators, drivers and pickers. The country's acceptance centres and ginneries are fully prepared to receive the new cotton, and experts from Turkmenistan's state standards agency will strictly inspect incoming raw-material quality — raw material that is both a key input for the domestic textile industry and a major export commodity. The festive launch was marked by the first loaded trucks and tractor trailers arriving at acceptance points, and an exhibition of agricultural machinery and processing-industry products. Provincial song-and-dance and folklore ensembles prepared rich performances for participants. At the ceremony, on behalf of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, valuable gifts were presented to outstanding producers — bumper-harvest tenant farmers and cotton growers. Source: TDH (TDH) | Date: 2026-09-09 3. Regions announce 2026 cotton-procurement targets: national plan ~1.25 million tonnes Following the president's instructions at the Cabinet meeting, all regions have completed preparations for organising this agricultural season's cotton harvest, and the 2026 cotton-picking campaign has officially begun. Regional cotton-production targets and support conditions are as follows: Ahal — 280,000 tonnes from 135,000 ha, 217 modern pickers and 1,000+ trucks deployed, ginning enterprises and acceptance centres ready. Balkan — 16,000 tonnes from 13,000 ha, modern pickers and dozens of trucks fully engaged. Dashoguz — 275,000 tonnes from 140,000 ha, 200+ pickers, 10 ginneries, 47 acceptance centres and 1,600+ dedicated trucks. Lebap — 320,000 tonnes from 130,000 ha, 218 John Deere pickers, 11 ginneries and 38 acceptance centres. Mary — 359,000 tonnes from 162,000 ha to be delivered to the state, 224 modern pickers plus supporting ginneries and acceptance centres. Summing these, the national 2026 cotton-procurement plan is about 1.25 million tonnes, with cotton area about 580,000 hectares. In addition, Turkmenistan has taken measures to ensure fire and road safety, crop-quality control, and timely payment to farmers. In the 35th year of independence, Turkmen cotton growers expressed confidence in meeting production targets. Source: Turkmenistan media (turkmenportal.com / business.com.tm) | Date: 2026-09-10 4. FAO and Turkmenistan sign a beef-cattle breeding development project agreement The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Turkmenistan launched a project to improve national beef-cattle breeding and artificial-insemination services. The project agreement was signed by Gochmyrat Atayev, chairman of Turkmenistan's State Association of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, and Viorel Gutu, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia, at an online ceremony; the project budget is US$180,000. The implementation period is September 2026 to February 2028, aiming to increase the country's stock of improved-breed cattle and strengthen the state's capacity to provide reliable artificial-insemination services. The project will also promote modern livestock-breeding methods using digital technology. Over the next 18 months the project will develop a national beef-cattle breeding roadmap and standard operating procedures for laboratory and field work; introduce a livestock-breeding information system to improve genetic and pedigree records; and compile an updated national catalogue of improved breeds. FAO and national partners will review the legal framework and technical measures in the livestock sector, upgrade laboratory equipment, and strengthen capacity-building for AI specialists and veterinarians. The project also expects to support farmers by combining modern equipment with practical-skills training, focusing on rural communities and households that depend on livestock. Source: FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia | Date: 2026-09-16 Source compilation: Xinjiang Agricultural University Central Asia Research Center (WeChat public account «新疆农业大学中亚研究中心»). Follow that account on WeChat for updates.
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Central Asia Agricultural Hotspot Tracker (Issue 9, 2026)Kazakhstan 1. High temperatures speed up harvest; 3.2 million tonnes of grain gathered Kazakhstan's large-scale autumn harvest is about to begin. Harvesting has already started in most parts of the country. Affected by unusually high temperatures this summer, crops have matured faster, and this year's harvest is noticeably earlier than the same period last year. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Nazgul Khatipova said the country plans to harvest 24.2 million hectares this year, of which 15.6 million hectares are grain and legume crops. So far, 1.9 million hectares of grain crops have been harvested, accounting for 12.5% of the planned area, compared with only 1.0 million hectares (6.1%) a year earlier. Large-scale harvesting nationwide is expected to begin in late August. The average grain yield is currently 16.4 centners per hectare, higher than 14.8 centners a year earlier, with 3.2 million tonnes already harvested. In addition, 3,400 hectares of oilseeds have been harvested with an average yield of 10.5 centners per hectare, totaling 3,500 tonnes; large-scale farms have harvested 214,000 tonnes of potatoes with an average yield of 249.2 centners per hectare. Nationwide, 628,600 tonnes of vegetables and 506,900 tonnes of melons have also been harvested. To ensure the smooth conduct of the large-scale autumn harvest, the readiness rate of agricultural machinery in the regions has reached about 97% and is expected to reach 100% before the main harvest season. This year 130,800 tractors, 29,000 combine harvesters, 17,000 windrowers and 130,000 other agricultural machines will be deployed. In terms of supplies, 1.9 million tonnes of fertilizer have been delivered to producers, completing 83% of the plan. The government allocated 401,000 tonnes of diesel for the autumn harvest, with prices for producers in major grain regions at 305–310 tenge per litre—about 10% below market. Grain storage is also a focus. Total national grain storage capacity is 30.7 million tonnes, with about 2.4 million tonnes currently in stock. Although overall storage pressure is low, storage utilization in some elevators in Akmola, Kostanay and North Kazakhstan regions has exceeded 40%. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin recently chaired a headquarters meeting on autumn field operations. Considering the imminent concentrated inflow of new grain, Zhumangarin instructed local governments and the National Grain Corporation to speed up freeing storage space while securing fuel for grain and oilseed drying and railway transport capacity. Zhumangarin noted that even though this summer was relatively dry, the average grain yield still reached 16.4 centners per hectare, above the historical average of 11–12 centners. To avoid transport and storage pressure during the large-scale harvest, fuel, transport and storage should be prepared in advance. The meeting also discussed sugar-beet harvesting and sugar-factory readiness in Zhambyl and Jetisu regions. The Koksuk sugar factory is being expanded, with daily processing capacity rising from 2,000 to 3,000 tonnes; the Taraz sugar factory is commissioning a new 3,000-tonne-per-day beet line, expected to be completed before October. In 2025 Kazakhstan produced 171,900 tonnes of sugar, up 5.6% year-on-year; in January–June this year sugar output was 76,900 tonnes. Source: Qazinform (Kazakhstan International News Agency) | Date: 2026-08-14 2. Kazakhstan's oilseed planting area up 30% in 2026 According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Kazakhstan's regions continue to advance land diversification. Data from the Bureau of National Statistics show that oilseed sowing area in 2026 reached 5.179 million hectares, up 30% from the previous year. Sunflower—considered the main oil crop—saw a particularly significant increase in planted area, reaching a record 2.2 million hectares, up 25% from last year. Thus, sunflower planting area has grown steadily over the past five years, 2.3 times the 2021 level. Sunflower is mainly grown in Pavlodar, Kostanay, Akmola and North Kazakhstan regions, which together account for 90% of the added area. Other oil crops—notably flax, rapeseed and safflower—also saw increased planting. According to the national association of oilseed processors, the increase in planting area is driven by high domestic demand from processing enterprises and the expansion of export markets for vegetable oil and oil products. This season Kazakhstan exported vegetable oil and oil products to 23 countries. All this indicates that the crop-production diversification process is underway and these crops are of growing importance in agricultural production. Currently Kazakhstan's oilseed processing capacity exceeds 5.2 million tonnes per year, of which sunflower-seed processing capacity is 4.4 million tonnes. In addition, large-scale investment projects are planned for 2026–2028 to build new oilseed-processing enterprises in Kazakhstan with total capacity exceeding 3 million tonnes per year. Source: Qazinform (Kazakhstan International News Agency) | Date: 2026-08-17 3. Financing of Kazakhstan's agro-industrial complex grows more than sevenfold in three years According to the government website, over the past three years the financing scale of Kazakhstan's agro-industrial complex has grown substantially, from 140 billion tenge in 2023 to 1 trillion tenge in 2025—more than a sevenfold increase. During this period, particular attention was paid to improving agricultural producers' access to financial resources early in the production cycle. This enabled farmers to plan field operations in advance and promptly purchase seed, fertilizer, plant-protection agents, fuel and agricultural machinery, ensuring that all production activities are carried out within optimal agrotechnical deadlines and that necessary technical operations are completed on time. Today, strict adherence to agrotechnical norms is gradually becoming one of the important yield-increasing potentials for raising the sector's productivity. Over the past two years, mineral-fertilizer use tripled to 1.8 million tonnes. This year the figure is planned to rise further to 2.3 million tonnes. Supply contracts for 2.0 million tonnes of fertilizer have all been signed, of which 1.9 million tonnes—83% of the annual plan—have already been shipped to producers. At the same time, work to improve seed-reserve quality is progressing steadily. The share of high-quality elite seed used has risen from 7.1% in 2023 to the current 11.6%. While increasing production-resource support, the sector's technical-equipment renewal is also accelerating. Under the preferential financial-leasing program, financing expanded tenfold to 350 billion tenge in 2026. Since the start of the year, the program has provided financing totaling 256.3 billion tenge for 6,790 applications and supported the purchase of 7,718 units of agricultural machinery. Overall, last year producers purchased about 25,000 modern agricultural machines, and the renewal rate of the machine-and-tractor fleet rose from 6% in 2024 to 6.5% in 2025. This year the figure is planned to rise further to 8%. Analysis of major grain-growing regions shows a stable positive correlation between producers' technical-equipment level and final crop yields. The more rigorously agrotechnical norms are followed and the more adequate the production-resource support, the higher the overall production efficiency. Future development of the agro-industrial complex will continue to focus on raising yields per hectare, promoting the rational and efficient use of resources, and systematically applying modern advanced technology nationwide. Source: Qazinform (Kazakhstan International News Agency) | Date: 2026-08-18 4. Kazakhstan proposes reallocating meat import quotas Rules for allocating part of Kazakhstan's meat import tariff quotas among foreign-trade operators may be adjusted. A draft order is currently open for public comment on the "Open Normative Acts" portal. Under the draft, meat import tariff quotas would be allocated between existing and new suppliers in an 80%/20% ratio. The document states that it intends to re-approve the rules for allocating part of Kazakhstan's meat import tariff quotas among participants in foreign-trade activity and to redivide the quota shares of existing and new suppliers. Existing suppliers would receive 80% of the quota and new suppliers 20%. The draft was developed in accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Justice on state registration of normative legal acts and the minutes of the Interdepartmental Commission on Foreign Trade Policy and Participation in International Economic Organizations dated 5 June 2026. Source: Qazinform (Kazakhstan International News Agency) | Date: 2026-08-25 5. Rail grain transport reaches 8.1 million tonnes in first seven months, up 10% In the first seven months of 2026, total grain transported via the railway network of Kazakhstan's national railway company (KTZ) reached 8.1 million tonnes, up 10% year-on-year. Over the same period Kazakhstan's grain exports also rose 10% to 6.2 million tonnes; flour and other milled-product shipments rose 5% to 1.6 million tonnes. In the 2025–26 marketing year (September 2025–July 2026), railways transported 14.2 million tonnes of grain, up 14% from the same period of the previous marketing year. This year's grain-transport growth came mainly from the Central Asian direction. In the first seven months, Kazakhstan transported 3.1 million tonnes of grain to Uzbekistan, up 47% year-on-year; to Afghanistan 605,000 tonnes, 4.5 times the year-earlier level. KTZ said grain transport toward China is also growing steadily. In the first seven months, 449,000 tonnes were shipped via the Dostyk and Altynkol stations, up 22% year-on-year. Notably, shipments using specialized grain wagons grew markedly, from 10,000 to 170,000 tonnes—a 17-fold increase. According to KTZ, Kazakhstan currently has ample railway rolling stock for grain transport. As of August 2026, the national railway network had 15,177 specialized grain wagons, of which 6,382 belong to JSC "Grain Transport." In addition, there are 17,066 covered wagons. Since 2015, private owners in Kazakhstan have purchased 2,578 specialized grain wagons. Source: Qazinform (Kazakhstan International News Agency) | Date: 2026-08-26 6. Record output fails to stop meat-price rise; lamb up 27.9% In July 2026, national meat prices rose 15.8% year-on-year, with lamb showing the sharpest increase at 27.9%. Citing data from Kazakhstan's Bureau of National Statistics, Energyprom reported that in January–July 2026 the country produced 48,200 tonnes of fresh and chilled meat, up 9.3% year-on-year—a record for the period since statistics began in 1999. At the same time, per-capita meat consumption remained broadly stable. In the first quarter of 2026, per-capita consumption of meat and meat products was 20.7 kg, versus 20.6 kg a year earlier. By type, lamb prices rose 27.9% year-on-year in July, beef 15.1%, horsemeat 14.4% and pork 11.3%. Lamb prices rose especially sharply in late spring and early summer, up 4.7% month-on-month in May and 4.2% in June, with the July increase slowing to 2.3%. Earlier, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Agriculture linked the April–May lamb price rise to seasonal demand ahead of Eid al-Adha and said there was no supply shortage in the domestic market. However, lamb prices continued to rise after the holiday. International lamb prices are also climbing. In July 2026, global lamb prices hit a record high, mainly due to limited export supply from Oceania and strong import demand. By city retail prices in July, the average lamb price was about 4,500 tenge per kg. Astana was highest at 5,400 tenge per kg; Kokshetau lowest at 3,800 tenge per kg. Over the same period, the national average price of bone-in beef was about 3,800 tenge per kg, horsemeat about 4,300 tenge per kg and pork about 3,000 tenge per kg. Source: Qazinform (Kazakhstan International News Agency) | Date: 2026-08-27 7. Prices of several essential food staples fall nationwide According to the Bureau of National Statistics, as of 26 August 2026, prices of several essential food staples in Kazakhstan fell over the past week. The data show that onion prices fell 4.8% in a week, white cabbage 4.6%, potatoes 2.9%, carrots 2.4% and apples 1.1%. Regionally, overall staple prices declined in some cities over the week: Konaev fell 0.4%; Atyrau, Jezkazgan and Kokshetau 0.2%; Almaty, Kyzylorda, Uralsk and Ust-Kamenogorsk 0.1%. Prices in Kostanay, Aktobe, Petropavlovsk, Taraz, Taldykorgan and Turkistan were unchanged from the previous week. Currently the national average onion price is 179 tenge per kg, with Turkistan lowest at 135 tenge per kg. The national average white-cabbage price is 176 tenge per kg, with Taraz lowest at 132 tenge per kg. The national average potato price is 241 tenge per kg, with Pavlodar at 177 tenge and Kostanay at 194 tenge relatively low. The national average tomato price is 546 tenge per kg, with Taraz lowest at 315 tenge per kg. Kazakhstan's essential-food price index is compiled weekly, with price monitoring covering regional capitals, republican cities and the capital. Price changes can be queried via the Bureau of National Statistics website under the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms and the "Taldau" analytical system. Under Order No. 362-NQ of the Ministry of Trade and Integration dated 23 December 2025, the essential-food list currently comprises 31 items. Source: Qazinform (Kazakhstan International News Agency) | Date: 2026-08-26 Kyrgyzstan 1. Kyrgyzstan exports nearly 20,000 tonnes of dairy products and over 228 tonnes of honey in half-year According to data released by the Ministry of Agriculture of Kyrgyzstan, in the first half of 2026 Kyrgyzstan actively exported dairy products and natural honey to Eurasian Economic Union member states and other countries. During the reporting period, total dairy exports reached 19,915.55 tonnes, including 2,339 tonnes of ice cream, 100.56 tonnes of butter, 674.54 tonnes of cheese, 197.77 tonnes of fermented dairy products (including kumis and kurut), and 189 tonnes of whey. At the same time, natural honey exports also grew, with 228.84 tonnes shipped in the first half. The ministry noted that these data indicate sustained international demand for Kyrgyz products and an expanding export potential for the dairy and beekeeping industries. Kyrgyzstan will continue to develop agricultural processing, enhance export potential, and focus on producing high-quality, competitive food for global markets. Source: Kabar News Agency | Date: 2026-08-05 2. Kyrgyzstan completes harvest on 261,000 hectares of crops Kyrgyzstan's crop harvesting continues to advance. To date, the country has harvested 261,000 hectares of crops. According to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry, of this 139,000 hectares were wheat, 121,000 hectares barley, 770 hectares corn and 200 hectares legumes. By region, Chuy Region is progressing fastest, having completed 50.8% of its planned harvest area (140,100 hectares). Osh Region has harvested 527,000 hectares, 56.8% of its plan; Jalal-Abad Region 52.9%; and Talas Region 10.9%. Source: Kabar News Agency | Date: 2026-08-06 3. Kyrgyzstan exports over 746 tonnes of fish in seven months According to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan, in the first seven months of 2026 Kyrgyzstan exported 746.7 tonnes of fish, equal to 87% of the full-year 2025 export volume. In all of 2025, Kyrgyzstan exported 857.6 tonnes of fish products. Currently, Kyrgyz fish products are exported mainly to Russia and Kazakhstan. A total of nine enterprises are engaged in fish-product exports, and all products enter export markets in accordance with established veterinary-sanitary and phytosanitary requirements. Source: Kabar News Agency | Date: 2026-08-11 4. Kyrgyzstan gathers 1.069 million tonnes of grain in autumn harvest Kyrgyzstan is currently conducting its autumn grain harvest, having gathered 1.069 million tonnes of grain. This was reported by the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan. According to the ministry, to date 365,900 hectares of grain crops have been harvested nationwide, accounting for 59.3% of the planned harvest area. The average grain yield also improved, now 27.6 centners per hectare versus 24.8 centners a year earlier. Wheat performed especially well: 205,700 hectares have been harvested, yielding 617,500 tonnes of wheat. By region, Chuy Region leads in grain output with 663,000 tonnes harvested; Osh Region 204,000 tonnes. Harvesting of vegetables, potatoes and melons also continues. So far 363,200 tonnes of vegetables, 178,500 tonnes of potatoes and 83,400 tonnes of melons have been harvested. Autumn harvesting continues across all regions. Source: Kabar News Agency | Date: 2026-08-21 5. Kyrgyzstan to build over 400 agricultural processing enterprises in 40 districts Over the next 3–4 years, Kyrgyzstan plans to build more than 400 agricultural processing enterprises across 40 districts of the country. Ilyich Marsbek uulu, First Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry, presented this during a live broadcast on "Radio First." He explained that the scaling-up of the agricultural sector will be achieved by uniting farmers around agricultural processing enterprises. "One of the ways to develop the agricultural sector is to achieve scale. We suggest that farmers unite—not merely to form cooperatives, but to cooperate around common interests. Our focus is on agricultural processing and storage enterprises, and we will organize farmers around these enterprises," he said. He noted that in 2026, 65 agricultural cooperatives have already been established nationwide. Source: Kabar News Agency | Date: 2026-08-25 Uzbekistan 1. Modern agricultural technology drives high-yield cotton cultivation Fergana Region Governor Khayrullo Bozorov visited the "Humo" farm in the Gulistan machine-tractor land administration area of Yazavan district to inspect cotton-field production. The farm has a total land area of 114 hectares, of which farm owner Sharobiddin Ismanov planted cotton on 40 hectares. Cotton cultivation is carried out strictly in accordance with agrotechnical norms. Drawing on the experience of China's Xinjiang region, the farm adopted plastic-film mulching and introduced the Chinese cotton variety "Xin Luzhong 87" (New Lu Zhong 87), with an expected yield of 80 centners per hectare on that plot. The governor exchanged views with agricultural workers and local elders. The report noted that, driven by the president, modern agricultural technologies and research achievements are being widely promoted in the agricultural sector, significantly raising crop yields and greatly boosting farmers' enthusiasm for production. Yazavan district is gradually becoming a model district for agricultural development. Source: Government of Uzbekistan (gov.uz) | Date: 2026-08-24 2. Uzbekistan imports 3,000 Holstein cattle from China this year Uzbekistan's Food Safety Committee said that to modernize the country's dairy industry, this year Uzbekistan has imported 3,000 purebred Holstein cattle from China. The imports were carried out under contracts signed between 80 Uzbek enterprises and Chinese suppliers, covering all regions of the country and realizing the introduction of Chinese Holstein cattle across regions. Committee officials said the purebred cattle are intended for domestic breeding—to build a high-yielding national dairy herd—rather than for slaughter or short-term use. The committee explained that all the cattle come from two disease-free, export-qualified regions in China. The Chinese Holstein is listed in the "National Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources Directory" as a dedicated domestic dairy breed with excellent milking performance. The cattle imports are part of the Uzbek government's series of incentive policies supporting the purebred livestock industry. Enterprises importing breeding stock enjoy VAT exemptions valid through 2029; subsidy programs for imported purebred cattle, sheep and goats have been extended to 31 December 2030. From 1 July 2026, the government will also subsidize each purebred calf born to a registered family-farm cow, encouraging small-scale farmers to expand herd size using superior breeds. Officials said that tax breaks, subsidies and import cooperation together aim to raise the volume and quality of domestic milk production in Uzbekistan in the coming years. Source: Tashkent Times | Date: 2026-08-29 3. Uzbekistan's fruit and vegetable exports surpass USD 1 billion Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Data from the State Committee on Statistics of the Republic of Uzbekistan show that in January–July 2026 Uzbekistan exported 1.2839 million tonnes of fruit-and-vegetable products worth USD 1.0254 billion. Compared with the same period in 2025 (1.2785 million tonnes exported), physical export volume rose 0.4%, but export revenue fell 3.9% from USD 1.0666 billion in January–July 2025. During the reporting period, fruit-and-vegetable exports accounted for 5.1% of Uzbekistan's total exports. Fruit export volume fell from 290,800 tonnes to 251,000 tonnes, and total fruit export revenue edged down from USD 330.8 million to USD 308.0 million. Among fruits, peach exports rose from 87,900 to 92,300 tonnes, with revenue up from USD 80.5 million to USD 91.7 million; raisin exports slipped from 54,600 to 51,600 tonnes. Sweet-cherry exports fell from 34,300 to 25,200 tonnes; apricot exports dropped sharply from 61,000 to 26,400 tonnes; fresh-grape exports rose from 29,500 to 37,800 tonnes, with revenue up from USD 24.9 million to USD 28.9 million. Dried-plum exports fell from 23,500 to 17,700 tonnes, but revenue held at USD 33.0 million. Vegetable exports grew: volume rose from 484,200 to 539,600 tonnes, with revenue up from USD 165.9 million to USD 200.5 million. Onions were the main driver, with volume up from 284,000 to 304,100 tonnes and revenue from USD 79.7 million to USD 89.3 million; cabbage exports rose from 126,900 to 139,400 tonnes; tomato exports from 30,800 to 33,000 tonnes; carrot exports from 39,200 to 57,500 tonnes; garlic exports from 3,400 to 5,600 tonnes. Other categories: watermelon and melon exports edged down from 175,700 to 173,900 tonnes, but revenue rose from USD 41.9 million to USD 55.1 million; peanuts and nuts exports rose slightly from 13,100 to 13,300 tonnes, with revenue down from USD 31.2 million to USD 30.3 million; mung bean exports rose from 33,600 to 35,700 tonnes, with revenue up from USD 32.1 million to USD 33.9 million. Source: UzDaily.uz | Date: 2026-08-29 Tajikistan 1. Tajikistan's wheat imports up 7.7% year-on-year in Jan–Jun 2026 Asia-Plus reported on 4 August that in January–June 2026 Tajikistan imported about 660,800 tonnes of wheat, up 7.7% year-on-year, with an import value of about USD 171 million; the average import price was USD 259 per tonne, up USD 25. All imported wheat came from Kazakhstan. Over the same period, Tajikistan's domestic wheat output was 510,000 tonnes, down 13.3% year-on-year. In January–June 2026, Tajikistan imported 35,400 tonnes of flour, up 45.2% year-on-year, with an import value of USD 11.3 million and an average price of USD 320 per tonne. Of this, about 95% of flour came from Kazakhstan, 4% from Russia and 1% from Uzbekistan. Over the same period, domestic flour production was 399,400 tonnes, up 31.6% year-on-year. Source: Asia-Plus (via PRC Embassy economic & commercial office) | Date: 2026-08-05 2. Tajikistan's agricultural output grows 2.7-fold since independence Asia-Plus reported from Dushanbe on 17 August that Nikolai Anvari, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Tajikistan, said that over the 35 years since independence Tajikistan's agricultural production has gone through stages of land reform, farm development and industrial-chain improvement. In 2025, Tajikistan's agricultural output reached 84.7 billion somoni (about USD 8.435 billion), 2.7 times the 1991 level, with a self-sufficiency rate of about 85% for major agricultural products. The country now has more than 186,400 agricultural organizations and enterprises, and modern storage and logistics centers have a storage capacity of about 1.4 million tonnes. Tajikistan is promoting a transformation of agriculture from simple raw-material production to an integrated chain of cultivation, processing, storage, logistics and sales, and is developing agricultural industry clusters. Source: Asia-Plus (via PRC Embassy economic & commercial office) | Date: 2026-08-18 3. Tajikistan's textile output down 37.7% in Jan–Jun 2026 Asia-Plus reported from Dushanbe on 14 August that according to Tajikistan's Agency on Statistics, in January–June 2026 the value of the textile and garment industry reached 1.216 billion somoni (about USD 129 million). During the reporting period, Tajikistan produced 17,300 tonnes of cotton fiber, up 64.7% year-on-year; but textile output was 6.1 million square metres, down 37.7% year-on-year. In the first half, Tajikistan exported 47,100 tonnes of cotton fiber (up 29.8% year-on-year), worth USD 73.5 million (up 34.5% year-on-year). According to Kabir, Minister of Industry and New Technologies of Tajikistan, currently only about 30% of cotton is processed locally in Tajikistan, and the government plans to develop a full chain covering spinning, weaving and garment production and to promote the construction of a textile cluster in Kulob. Source: Asia-Plus (via PRC Embassy economic & commercial office) | Date: 2026-08-18 4. Agriculture accounts for nearly a quarter of Tajikistan's GDP According to Sputnik Tajikistan, the agricultural sector accounts for more than 21% of the republic's gross domestic product (GDP). Deputy Minister of Agriculture Nigina Anvari said at a press conference that since independence the share of domestic food supply has reached 85%, and 2025 output was 3.7 times the 1991 level, reaching 847 billion TJS. According to Anvari, the sector employs 61% of the population. Grain-cultivation area is 375,700 hectares, of which wheat about 250,000 hectares, cotton (174,900 hectares), vegetables (69,600 hectares), potatoes (64,300 hectares) and other crops. In 2025 grain output reached 1.7 million tonnes, six times the 1991 level; wheat harvest rose 5.4-fold to 811,000 tonnes. In addition, the potato harvest (1.3 million tonnes, up 12.5-fold) and vegetable harvest (3.4 million tonnes, up 10.5-fold) grew significantly. Orchard area has grown to 208,000 hectares, 2.3 times the level at independence. Tajik products are exported to 26 countries, with 89% of purchases from CIS countries and Russia the main buyer. Source: Khovar / Sputnik Tajikistan | Date: 2026-08-19 Turkmenistan 1. Efforts focused on securing a bumper cotton harvest During the revival construction period of the powerful new era, the Mary Pagta production association, relying on the state's all-round support for agriculture, is making thorough preparations for the upcoming cotton-harvest season. Diligent cotton growers in Mary Region are carefully tending cotton planted on 162,000 hectares, with all field operations carried out strictly in accordance with established agrotechnical norms. Currently underway are the final cotton irrigation, additional mineral-fertilizer application, cotton topping, inter-row cultivation and weeding. This growth stage is crucial, directly determining the quality and yield of the future cotton harvest. This month cotton will stop vertical growth, and growers' full focus will shift to the development and opening of bolls. This agricultural season, the Karakum, Turkmenbashy (Turkmen-gala), Yoloten and Bayramaly districts of the region have achieved outstanding results in cotton cultivation. The first white bolls have already opened in the fields, fully testifying that the growers' hard work is about to yield a rich reward. Cotton-harvest preparations in Mary Region are progressing in an orderly manner, with all parties working to ensure this major agricultural event is implemented to high standards. Enterprises under the Mary Pagta production association are also working intensively. According to association experts, maintenance of all nine gin factories and 35 cotton-procurement stations in the region is nearing completion. The focus is on implementing technical-safety and fire-safety systems. Trucks, tractors and trailers used to transport seed cotton have all been repaired and technically inspected and are ready to go. Mary Pagta experts and district authorities are strictly supervising harvest preparations to ensure that cotton—the country's precious raw material—is collected in an organized, time-efficient and loss-free manner. The current deployment measures will help the region's workers celebrate the glorious occasion of the motherland's 35th anniversary of independence with excellent labor results. Source: Government of Turkmenistan (turkmenistan.gov.tm) | Date: 2026-08-06 2. Turkmenistan launches large-scale autumn sowing campaign Turkmenistan is making preparations for its autumn-sowing campaign, which will cover a total area of 41,000 hectares. The repeat-cropping model allows farmers to harvest two crops of market-scarce produce per year, safeguarding the country's food security. Field-work timing varies by region according to climate: northern Dashoguz Region starts sowing earlier, while southern regions sow closer to winter. The Ministry of Agriculture, under the presidential crop-zoning decree, has drawn up its departmental plan under which potatoes, carrots and onions in the country can all achieve two crops per year. This season, apart from Dashoguz Region, all regions have allocated 10,000 hectares for potatoes, with a planned harvest of 140,000 tonnes. Farmers use varieties suited to arid conditions such as "Sant" and "Gala" for repeat cropping. Total onion-sowing area is 10,000 hectares, carried out in two seasons, with an expected yield of 250,000 tonnes per season. Leading sown areas are Ahal, Mary and Dashoguz regions. In addition to well-known local varieties "Kaka," "Lebap" and "Farap," tested foreign crop varieties are also widely grown. Nationwide, 1,300 hectares are designated for carrots, with an expected root-crop harvest of over 23,000 tonnes. Winter crops and leguminous crops occupy an important place in the autumn-sowing layout. A total of 3,200 hectares are allocated for winter garlic, targeting 80 centners per hectare. In addition, farmers will sow 1,500 hectares of white beans, along with mung beans and sesame. Some 14,000 hectares are allocated for mung beans, whose importance lies not only in supplying the food market but also, under dry-farming conditions, in adding soil nitrogen and improving soil structure, thereby raising land productivity. Source: Government of Turkmenistan (turkmenistan.gov.tm) | Date: 2026-08-10 3. Turkmenistan state exchange completes cottonseed-oil export transaction On 24 August, the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan (SCRMET) held its regular trading session. At the session, foreign partners showed strong demand for high-quality goods produced by domestic factories. Representatives of overseas markets and local entrepreneurs reached a number of mutually beneficial new agreements. Exchange trading results showed that representatives of the UAE business community signed contracts with Turkmen producers to purchase top-grade refined cottonseed oil. This transaction further expands the export of the country's processed industrial products. A large transaction was officially registered at the session, with a total value of USD 150,000. This figure once again fully demonstrates that the exchange's export business is developing steadily and that the competitiveness of Turkmen goods in international markets continues to strengthen. Source: Turkmenportal (Turkmenistan business news) | Date: 2026-08-25
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Central Asia Agricultural Hotspot Tracker (Issue 8, 2026)Kazakhstan 1. Kazakhstan's agricultural exports up 36% in first four months of 2026 Kazakhstan's exports of agricultural and processed food products grew substantially in the first four months of 2026, reaching USD 3 billion—a 36% year-on-year increase (USD 2.2 billion in the same period of 2025). According to data released by Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov, the government projects total agricultural exports for 2026 to reach USD 7.2 billion. More than half of last year's export revenue—around USD 3.6 billion—came from processed agricultural products rather than raw materials. The Ministry of Agriculture aims to reinforce this trend by increasing the share of high-value-added food products in total agricultural exports. Food production in the first half of 2026 grew by 14.7%. The government plans to raise the processing rate of six product groups—meat, milk, oilseeds, corn, rice and buckwheat—from 64% in 2025 to 70% this year. Following two consecutive near-record grain harvests, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that Kazakhstan will export a record 11 million tonnes of wheat in the 2025–26 marketing year, with first-half export volumes up by more than 30%. Wheat exports are forecast to fall to 7.5 million tonnes in 2026–27 as output returns to average levels after two exceptionally strong harvests. In addition, Kazakhstan's agricultural exports to Iran nearly doubled, rising 97% to USD 238.5 million, of which grain accounted for USD 225.3 million. Agricultural trade with Turkey also grew 25% in 2025. Source: Qazinform (Kazakhstan International News Agency) | Date: 2026-07-13 2. Kazakhstan's cheese and curd output up 28% year-on-year According to the Bureau of National Statistics, Kazakhstan produced 25,700 tonnes of cheese and curd in January–May 2026, a 28% increase year-on-year. Kazakh producers exported about 900 tonnes of cheese and curd to foreign markets. Domestic cheese enjoys stable demand in Russia, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia. At the same time, the geographic reach of sales markets continues to expand: shipments to Uzbekistan and Mongolia grew significantly, and products have been exported for the first time to the markets of Azerbaijan and South Korea. Thanks to increased domestic production, imports of cheese and curd fell 9.2% compared with the same period of 2025. The data show steady growth in domestic market demand. Based on the statistics for the first five months of 2026, sales of cheese and curd reached 41,400 tonnes, up 11.2% year-on-year. As of June 2026, the average retail price of cheese in Kazakhstan was 2,457 tenge per kg. The lowest average price was recorded in Petropavlovsk at 1,661 tenge per kg, and the highest in Jezkazgan at 3,060 tenge per kg. Source: Qazinform (Kazakhstan International News Agency) | Date: 2026-07-20 3. Kazakhstan's butter and sunflower oil output both grow in first four months According to statistics for January–April 2026, Kazakhstan's production of butter and sunflower oil continued to grow, and export volumes expanded further, reflecting the sustained improvement of the domestic oil-processing industry. The data show that in the first four months of the year the country produced 13,800 tonnes of butter with a fat content not exceeding 85%, up 47.4% from the same period of 2025. Butter exports continued to grow as well: in January–April 2026 Kazakhstan exported 394.1 tonnes of butter, up 40.4% from 280.7 tonnes a year earlier. Russia, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan and Belarus were the main export markets. Over the same period, butter imports stood at 2,242.2 tonnes, accounting for about 13.9% of domestic market supply, mainly sourced from Belarus and Iran. In the first four months, domestic butter sales reached 15,700 tonnes. Sunflower oil production also kept growing. In January–April 2026 the country produced 335,500 tonnes of refined and unrefined sunflower oil, up 13.2% year-on-year. On the export side, sunflower oil shipments rose 49.6% to 353,800 tonnes, compared with 236,400 tonnes a year earlier. Main destinations included Uzbekistan (153,200 tonnes), China (127,200 tonnes), Afghanistan (38,600 tonnes), Tajikistan (27,000 tonnes), Iran (4,900 tonnes) and others. Over the same period, sunflower oil imports were 47,900 tonnes, accounting for 12.5% of domestic supply. In the first four months, national sunflower oil sales reached 29,700 tonnes. Source: Qazinform (Kazakhstan International News Agency) | Date: 2026-07-20 4. Kazakhstan's grain exports up 16%, purchases by Central Asian countries keep rising According to Kazakhstan's national railway company (KTZ), from September 2025 to 17 July 2026 the country exported 13.5 million tonnes of grain and grain-equivalent flour, up 16% year-on-year. Data show that in the previous marketing season Kazakhstan exported 12 million tonnes of grain and grain-equivalent flour to international markets. Growth this season was driven mainly by sustained strong demand from traditional markets such as Central Asian countries and Afghanistan. Exports to Uzbekistan rose 37% to 5.6 million tonnes; to Kyrgyzstan they grew 1.4-fold to 504,000 tonnes; to Afghanistan 59% to 2.2 million tonnes; and to Turkmenistan 34% to 210,000 tonnes. KTZ noted that the continuous growth in shipment volumes indicates robust international demand for Kazakh agricultural products and reflects the positive results of measures to improve export logistics and deepen trade and economic cooperation with foreign partners. Source: Qazinform (Kazakhstan International News Agency) | Date: 2026-07-23 5. Prices of essential food staples fall for the first time this year Prices of essential food staples in Kazakhstan have begun to ease. The relevant food price index fell 0.1% over the past week and declined 0.3% month-on-month in July, marking the first monthly decline this year. According to the Ministry of Trade and Integration, in July average prices of several essential staples fell, including potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, apples, carrots and eggs. At the same time, the pace of food price increases has slowed for several consecutive months. Annual food inflation fell for the sixth straight month, from 13.5% in December 2025 to 10.4% at the end of June this year. Since the start of the year, the essential-food price index has risen a cumulative 1.7%, well below the 7.9% recorded in the same period last year. The Ministry of Trade and Integration said the change is linked to government inflation-control and reduction measures, including stronger market supervision, securing domestic supply, supporting local producers and improving price-stabilization mechanisms. Source: Qazinform (Kazakhstan International News Agency) | Date: 2026-07-31 Kyrgyzstan 1. Sokuluk district expects bumper harvest from imported corn varieties In Chuy Region's Sokuluk district, the "Zaryk Intymak" cooperative has introduced modern irrigation technology and agricultural machinery to raise production efficiency. Founded in 2019, the cooperative has seven members. It currently farms more than 600 hectares, of which 110 hectares are leased from the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan. Through a preferential loan at 6% annual interest from OJSC Eldik Bank, the cooperative installed drip-irrigation systems and purchased modern farm equipment. According to cooperative member Erlan Abdisamat uulu, 35 hectares were planted with corn this year—20 hectares for grain corn and 15 hectares for silage corn. Grain corn uses the Turkish variety "Toro" and silage corn the "Lider 77" variety. Last year the farm's corn yield reached 20 tonnes per hectare, and this year the cooperative expects to harvest more than 20 tonnes per hectare. The ministry noted that the application of modern technology, cooperative development and accessible lending terms help raise agricultural production efficiency. Source: Kabar News Agency | Date: 2026-07-13 2. Talas region cooperative raises bell-pepper yields with modern technology According to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan, the "Zaryk Intymak" agricultural cooperative in Talas Region expects to harvest more than 20 tonnes of bell peppers per hectare this year. Founded in 2019, the cooperative currently has seven members. It leases 110 hectares of farmland belonging to the ministry and farms a total of more than 600 hectares. The farm grows bell peppers, corn, onions and other crops, with bell-pepper production as its main focus. Three varieties are grown: the "Lastochka" variety adapted to Talas conditions, the "Polet" variety from the Republic of Moldova, and the "Lider" variety from the Russian Federation. The crop has now matured and the first picking is about to begin, with three pickings planned this season. The cooperative noted that the high yields are due to modern agricultural techniques, quality seed material and the use of drip-irrigation systems. With the ministry's support, the farm acquired modern machinery through a preferential leasing program and replaced traditional surface irrigation with water-saving drip irrigation. The new technologies have raised production efficiency, made rational use of water resources and increased crop output. The bell peppers are sold on the domestic market and exported to the Russian Federation and other neighboring countries. Source: Kabar News Agency | Date: 2026-07-13 3. Grain harvesting in full swing in Nookat district According to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan, grain harvesting is progressing actively in Osh Region's Nookat district. To date, 1,700 hectares have been harvested. Average yields are 32.2 centners per hectare for wheat and 27 centners per hectare for barley. "Under the state support framework, diesel fuel is being supplied to agricultural producers at a preferential price of 81 soms per litre. For the harvesting campaign, the district has deployed 36 combine harvesters," the ministry said. It should be noted that this year the grain-sown area in Nookat district is 17,594 hectares, of which wheat—14,973 hectares and barley—2,621 hectares. Source: Kabar News Agency | Date: 2026-07-17 4. Kyrgyzstan registers new yak breed Kyrgyzstan has officially registered a new type of livestock breed named the "Kyrgyz White Yak," marking an important step in the development of the country's animal husbandry. According to the ministry, the breed registration ceremony was held on 20 July at the Syrt high-mountain pasture in the Issyk-Kul region, and the registration order was signed personally by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Erlis Akunbekov. The breeding and registration of this new breed is a key milestone in developing animal husbandry and protecting the country's genetic resources. Hero of Socialist Labour, renowned breeder and public figure Tashtanbek Akmatov played a special role in the breed's development, devoting many years to white-yak breeding and laying a solid foundation for the new breed. From 2014 to 2026, scientists, experts, breeders, farms and herders jointly participated in the selection work, eventually developing a breed with high productivity and good adaptation to the harsh high-mountain environment. Scientific research confirmed that the Kyrgyz White Yak shows significant advantages in live weight, fertility and survival rate. In addition, the breed produces high-quality white down, a valuable raw material for the textile industry. Source: Kabar News Agency | Date: 2026-07-21 Uzbekistan 1. Tashkent plans to import Afghan agricultural products to ease food prices According to the Tashkent city administration, a Tashkent delegation visited Afghanistan's Bamyan and Herat provinces on 25 July to discuss the issue. Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Davron Vakhobov, and representatives of relevant ministries of both countries attended the talks. The two sides also discussed plans to set up trade offices in the two Afghan provinces. The Tashkent city administration said the working visit is a measure under the Uzbek-Afghan economic and trade upgrade cooperation framework launched by President Mirziyoyev. The visit aims to substantially increase trade between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, especially with the city of Tashkent. The talks also focused on expanding exports and attracting investment across several sectors—food processing, electrical engineering, textiles, building materials, pharmaceuticals, automotive manufacturing and chemicals. The Uzbek Chamber of Commerce said Afghanistan's Bamyan province can export up to 300,000 tonnes of potatoes to Uzbekistan each year. Thanks to its mountainous climate, Bamyan is known as Afghanistan's "potato capital." A pilot project has been launched there, sowing 44 tonnes of the high-yielding Fontana seed potato on 17 hectares—a variety suited to export and industrial processing. Officials said the crop is growing well and a good harvest is expected. The project is expected to raise potato output, introduce modern agricultural technology and further deepen agricultural cooperation between the two countries. The two sides also agreed to strengthen direct enterprise-to-enterprise links, expand bilateral trade and launch new agricultural cooperation projects. The Afghan side set a long-term goal of raising total bilateral trade to USD 5 billion. As early as May, the two sides had discussed importing 5.3 million tonnes of affordable, high-quality potatoes annually from Bamyan province. At that time they also proposed building a modern storage facility in the province for the procurement, storage and export of fruit and vegetables, and arranging for Afghan farmers to attend agricultural training programs in Uzbekistan. Source: UzA (National News Agency of Uzbekistan) / Tashkent city administration | Date: 2026-07-27 2. Zafarabad district steps up supervision of cotton seed plots Zafarabad district is carrying out systematic supervision work aimed at implementing regulations in the field of crop breeding, maintaining the varietal purity of cotton seed plots and cultivating high-quality cotton seed. The work is conducted under the regulations approved by Resolution No. 166 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated 18 March 2025—"On measures to introduce the 'Electronic Seed (E-urug)' information system in the field of crop breeding"—which designates the removal of off-type and other mixed plants from seed plots as a key supervisory priority. Under current management rules, the district's three qualified cotton-seed producers, with a combined 194.4 hectares of cotton land, have all received written mandatory work orders to guarantee varietal purity. Because the plots grow foreign-bred cotton varieties, local authorities attach great importance to maintaining high standards of varietal purity and seed quality. During inspections, technicians verify varietal purity based on the morphological characteristics of cotton plants—examining leaf shape and color, stem structure, hairiness, fruiting-branch type, plant architecture, petal color, and boll size and shape—to identify off-type plants. For off-types found, the authorities have issued guidance and work orders to pull them out and clear them from the fields. At the same time, the district has adopted multiple measures to detect and remove mixed varieties and non-bolling (sterile) plants in a timely manner, thereby safeguarding the varietal purity of seed cotton and reserving high-quality seed for the next agricultural season. The Zafarabad district office of the inspectorate continues routine inspections of cotton seed plots, implementing varietal-purity guarantees and seed-quality controls and verifying that producers comply with applicable regulatory documents. This work lays a solid foundation for producing high-yielding, high-quality cotton raw material in the future. Source: Government of Uzbekistan (gov.uz) | Date: 2026-07-31 Tajikistan 1. Tajikistan exports USD 39.9 million of agricultural products in first half In the first half of 2026, Tajikistan's exports of livestock and poultry rose significantly. During this period the country exported 3.7 million eggs, 324,300 chickens, 360 bee colonies and 33 tonnes of fish. This was announced at a press conference held by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Tajikistan on 9 July. As noted at the press conference, in addition to supplying domestic consumers with domestic products, Tajikistan continues to export agricultural goods. According to customs authorities, in the first half of 2026 the republic exported 743,000 tonnes of agricultural products worth USD 39.9 million. Tajik agricultural products were exported to 21 CIS and non-CIS neighboring countries. Of these, 89% went to CIS countries and 11% to non-CIS countries. Dried fruit was the largest export by volume at 39,900 tonnes. Vegetable exports reached 21,800 tonnes and fresh fruit 10,600 tonnes. In addition, 746 tonnes of nuts, 102 tonnes of melons and 33 tonnes of fish were exported. Other agricultural exports totaled 822 tonnes. Source: Khovar (National Information Agency of Tajikistan) | Date: 2026-07-11 2. Tajikistan's gross agricultural output up 7.2% in six months Tajikistan's gross agricultural output reached 28.83 billion somoni in January–June 2026, up 7.2% year-on-year. The figure was released at a press conference held at the Agency on Statistics under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan. Crop production reached 18.27 billion somoni, up 5%; livestock production reached 10.56 billion somoni, up 11.1% year-on-year. Over the six months the republic produced more than 1.28 million tonnes of vegetables, 632,600 tonnes of grain, 286,000 tonnes of potatoes, 565,600 tonnes of melons and 258,700 tonnes of fruit. Compared with last year, output of potatoes (up 6.8%), vegetables (up 5.3%) and onions (up 9.9%) increased, while grain, melons, fruit, grapes and fodder crops declined. Livestock production also kept growing. As of 1 July, the cattle herd reached 3.1 million head, up 8.6% year-on-year; sheep and goats reached 8.35 million, up 11.7% year-on-year. Output of meat (up 15.9%), milk (up 6.5%), eggs (up 3.3%), wool (up 5.5%), honey (up 6.6%) and silk cocoons (up 36.2%) also increased. Source: Khovar (National Information Agency of Tajikistan) | Date: 2026-07-20 3. China's Shaanxi Apple Group ready to develop apple cultivation and processing in Tajikistan Economic cooperation between Tajikistan and China is reaching a new level. A few years ago, cooperation focused on infrastructure, energy and industry, but today agriculture is playing an increasingly important role. This was further confirmed by talks between Tajikistan's Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and Shaanxi Apple Group Co., Ltd., one of China's leading modern horticulture enterprises. On 10 July 2026, Tajik Minister of Economic Development and Trade Abdurahim Abdurahimzoda met with Yang Xixun, Chairman of Shaanxi Apple Group Co., Ltd. The main topics were developing joint projects in the agro-complex, creating modern production facilities and attracting Chinese investment into Tajikistan's agricultural sector. From memorandum to implementation: the negotiations follow up on a Memorandum of Understanding on agricultural cooperation signed in Beijing on 11 May 2026 between the Government of Tajikistan and Shaanxi Apple Group. The May agreement defined the general areas of cooperation, while the July meeting focused on the practicalities of future project implementation. According to Minister Abdurahimzoda, Tajikistan currently has favorable conditions for developing intensive horticulture. Thanks to its diverse climate zones, fertile soils and ample sunshine, the country has great potential for growing fruit, especially apples. Building modern apple orchards is therefore considered a promising area for attracting foreign investment. During the negotiations, the two sides discussed the possibility of a large-scale investment project to create intensive apple orchards using modern Chinese technology. This is not just about growing fruit, but about building a complete production cycle—from planting orchards to processing and producing finished goods. Special attention was given to building modern manufacturing facilities in Tajikistan's free economic zones. Using such platforms will allow investors to apply modern technology, lower production costs and export part of the output. By the end of 2025, bilateral trade between the two countries had grown by nearly 46% compared with the previous year. The investment figures are even more telling: from 2007 to 2024, cumulative Chinese investment in the Tajik economy approached USD 6 billion. Chinese capital has already participated actively in large-scale projects in industry, energy, transport infrastructure, mining, free economic zones and agriculture. Experts note that cooperation with specialized companies such as Shaanxi Apple Group opens new opportunities for Tajikistan. Modern intensive orchards can significantly raise yields and employ water-saving technologies, modern storage systems and digital production management. At the same time, building fruit-processing plants offers a chance to increase exports of high-value-added products rather than merely supplying raw materials. For Tajikistan, which treats agro-complex development as a national policy priority, such projects could become an important factor in modernizing the sector. The partnership also broadens the geographic scope of cooperation. Recent events show that Tajikistan–China cooperation is becoming increasingly diversified. Source: Khovar (National Information Agency of Tajikistan) | Date: 2026-07-24 Turkmenistan 1. Turkmenistan delivers over 1.4 million tonnes of wheat, fulfills state procurement target According to the Turkmen state news agency (TDH), Turkmen farmers have delivered more than 1.4 million tonnes of wheat to the state, successfully fulfilling their contractual delivery targets. The result underscores the important role of wheat in the country's food-security system and supports the national development goal of strengthening wheat export potential. Grain deliveries were carried out under the state procurement plan, which remains the core channel for domestic grain storage and distribution. The harvest was achieved through a science-based approach to agricultural development. Researchers at the Ministry of Agriculture's Grain Research Institute bred three new wheat varieties—Serdar, Arkadag and Pyragy—that supported the yield increase. Promoting varieties adapted to local climates helps raise crop resilience and grain yields under Turkmenistan's arid, continental climate. Authorities required strict adherence to agronomic standards across all production stages from seed selection to harvest. Scientific crop management is regarded as the key factor in ensuring grain quality and fully meeting state delivery targets. The presidential administration is vigorously promoting the modernization of the agro-industrial complex; this harvest deployed modern combine harvesters from brands such as John Deere and Claas. High-performance machinery greatly shortened the harvest period, reduced field losses and safeguarded both wheat yield and quality. The more than 1.4 million tonnes delivered are primarily intended to guarantee domestic food security. At the same time, officials noted that agricultural development will also raise Turkmenistan's wheat export potential. For the global wheat market, stable regional harvests will influence grain trade flows along the Caspian coast and the broader Eurasian corridor, while the state procurement mechanism ultimately determines the volume of grain available for export. Source: TDH (Turkmenistan State News Agency) | Date: 2026-07-10 2. Balkan region melon and watermelon harvest hits record high This year, Balkan Region vegetable and fruit growers plan to harvest 52,400 tonnes of melons and watermelons from 2,620 hectares, and harvesting across the region is progressing steadily. Veteran farmers, contract growers, peasant associations and family-farm members in the towns of Bereket, Gyzylarbat, Magtymguly, Etrek and Esenguly have performed particularly well. The region takes pride in having both seasoned growers and a large new generation of young farmers. The mentor-apprentice model of passing on know-how has become widespread, transmitting valuable cultivation techniques and practical experience from generation to generation. Relying on this transmission mechanism, horticultural workers in Magtymguly town achieved high yields of pomegranates, figs and walnuts; Etrek farmers successfully cultivated olives; and growers in Gyzylarbat and Bereket accumulated rich experience in melon and watermelon cultivation. Balkan Region's agricultural workers have achieved remarkable results in melon cultivation, with various melons, watermelons and specialty fruits yielding abundantly and of fine quality year after year—results that deserve full recognition. In midsummer, melon growers across the region are seizing the farming season to complete the harvest and ensure a stable supply of various fruits, vegetables and melons to the market, sold to the public at affordable prices. The region produces several specialty melon varieties celebrated as gifts of nature, including Vakharman, Gyzyl Depe, Gulyabi and Garyguz. The region's produce is in short supply across Turkmenistan's national market. Therefore, teams of growers who produce green, high-quality, market-competitive melons promptly transport their freshly harvested fruit to major markets and retail outlets nationwide. Source: Turkmenistan Golden Age (official newspaper) | Date: 2026-07-14 3. Turkmenistan state exchange cotton exports exceed USD 2.7 million Last week, the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan (SCRMET) concluded nine transactions, selling cotton yarn, raw silk and cottonseed oil to buyers from Turkey, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, with a total transaction value exceeding USD 2.746 million. Domestic entities purchased cotton yarn and cotton fiber for the local market, with total procurement reaching 78.0 million manats. Source: Turkmenportal (Turkmenistan internet portal) | Date: 2026-07-27
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Central Asia Agricultural Hotspot Tracker (Issue 7, 2026)Kazakhstan 1. Kazakhstan's agricultural imports from Iran reach US$128 million According to the Islamic Republic News Agency, in the first ten months of the Iranian year 1404 (corresponding to 2025-2026), Kazakhstan's agricultural imports from Iran reached US$128 million. The figure was announced by Hassan Momeni, acting head of the International Affairs Department of Iran's Ministry of Agricultural Jihad, during a meeting with Manouchehr Moradi, director-general of the first CIS department at Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Momeni said that over the period Iran's total exports to Kazakhstan reached US$214 million, more than half from agricultural exports. Meanwhile Iran's imports from Kazakhstan totalled US$47 million, of which agricultural imports were US$33 million. Momeni noted that about 80% of Iran's imports from Kazakhstan serve national food-security needs, underscoring the strategic importance of the North-South international transport corridor for regional trade and food-supply chains. Earlier, Iran's Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade had proposed, within the EAEU framework, an independent financial-settlement mechanism to further promote trade among member states. Source: IRNA (Islamic Republic News Agency) / Pars Today - https://parstoday.ir | Date: 2026-06-01 2. China's national grain-trading digital platform launches Kazakhstan node; first 200-tonne flaxseed pilot trade The Kazakhstan node of China's National Grain Trading Digital Platform has officially entered pilot operation. Kazakhstan Grain Contract Corporation has agreed with China's Yihai (Changji) Oils and Grains Industry Co. to supply China with a first batch of 200 tonnes of flaxseed as a pilot trade. The platform's launch marks substantive progress in talks between Kazakhstan's grain group and Chinese partners since last year on building a joint digital cooperation mechanism for agricultural-products trade. Initially the platform covers grain and oilseed trade - sunflower seed, rapeseed, flaxseed and soybeans - with varieties expected to grow as importer demand and Kazakh exporters' capacity rise. Trading modes include public auction, negotiated deals and fixed-price sales. To ensure contract performance, the platform has a margin system and encourages direct fund settlement through it. China's grain-trading platform has run stably for over 20 years, covering more than 50,000 domestic agricultural enterprises; Kazakhstan's access will help raise its export level and implement the head of state's directive to accelerate digitalisation of the agro-industrial complex. Source: Interfax / Kazinform (cn.inform.kz) - https://cn.inform.kz | Date: 2026-06-02 3. Q1 sugar output plunges; import dependence rises sharply In Q1 2026 Kazakhstan's domestic sugar factories produced 9,500 tonnes of sugar. A year earlier output was 64,600 tonnes; this year's figure is about one-seventh of that. The share of domestic sugar in total national sugar stocks fell sharply from 28.2% to 7.1%, leaving 92.9% of the market dependent on imports. The contraction reflects weak domestic demand and lower exports - especially a notable drop in re-export of imported sugar. In the first three months of 2026 Kazakhstan exported (including re-export) over 30,000 tonnes of sugar, while domestic sales fell 30.5% to 104,600 tonnes. Analysts warn that with output severely reduced, the risk of domestic supply shortages is rising. Source: Astana Times / Kazinform - https://astanatimes.com | Date: 2026-06-08 4. Grain exports reach 12.2 million tonnes, southern markets drive growth Data from Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (national railways) show that from September 2025 to May 2026, Kazakhstan's grain and flour exports (in grain equivalent) reached 12.2 million tonnes, up 13% from the same period of the previous sales season. Growth was driven by traditional Central Asian importers and rising Afghan demand: exports to Uzbekistan +38% (3.6 to 5.0 million t), to Kyrgyzstan +1.5x (312,000 to 474,000 t), to Afghanistan +58% (1.3 to 2.0 million t). Exports to Turkmenistan reached 197,000 t, up 44% from 137,000 t. The Agriculture Ministry said the growth reflects both rising international demand for Kazakh produce and the efficient, stable operation of southern logistics corridors, and confirms the positive effect of measures to raise export-logistics capacity and deepen external economic cooperation. Source: KTZ / kt.kz (English) - https://kt.kz/eng | Date: 2026-06-11 5. To protect the domestic market, Kazakhstan proposes temporary restrictions on tomato imports The Agriculture Ministry published a draft order, "On certain issues of tomato imports into the Republic of Kazakhstan," on the open-government portal for public comment. The draft is based on a decision of the Interdepartmental Commission on Foreign Trade Policy and Participation in International Economic Organisations dated 5 June 2026. It would temporarily restrict imports of fresh or chilled tomatoes (HS 0702) from third countries by all transport modes, except goods originating in EAEU member states and international goods in transit through Kazakhstan. The restrictions are proposed through 1 July 2026. The ministry said the move aims to protect the legitimate interests of domestic producers and ensure stable, unobstructed circulation in the domestic agricultural market. Source: HortiDaily / ministry open-government portal - https://www.hortidaily.com | Date: 2026-06-12 6. Poultry sector grows steadily; self-sufficiency by 2030 and faster China expansion On 23 June the International Poultry Forum was held in Astana, organised by Kazakhstan's Poultry Farmers Union, gathering domestic and foreign experts, producers, business and officials to discuss key industry issues. Azat Sultangov, deputy agriculture minister, said poultry farming holds an important place in livestock and keeps growing: the country has 37 industrial laying-hen farms with 4.5 billion eggs/year capacity and 32 broiler enterprises with 505,000 t/year capacity. Domestic production essentially meets egg demand; poultry-meat self-sufficiency is 78%. Sultangov said a core task set with the industry is to fully substitute poultry-meat imports by 2030, pursued via modernisation of existing enterprises and new investments. Seven poultry farms have received about 6.6 billion tenge in financing; a 201,000-tonne feed-grain reserve is supplied to farms at fixed prices via the national food company. Temporary restrictions on imported chicken and eggs ran 21 April-21 October 2026 to protect producers during seasonal peaks. Sultangov highlighted export expansion: Kazakh poultry products already reach EAEU members, Azerbaijan, Mongolia and Qatar; the signed agreement to export poultry meat to China is a milestone, with more large enterprises being added to the Chinese export registry. B2B meetings between leading firms were also held. Source: Kazinform (cn.inform.kz) / Zootecnica International - https://cn.inform.kz | Date: 2026-06-24 Kyrgyzstan 1. Tyup district to build a fruit storage and logistics centre Per the Kyrgyz Agriculture Ministry, a logistics centre will be built in the village of Mikhaylovka, Tyup district. A trilateral agreement signing was recently held. The project, supported by the Kyrgyz-Azerbaijani fund, will have one-time fruit storage capacity of 500 tonnes and is expected to open in September this year. Source: Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry (mts.kg) / Trend - https://mts.kg/en | Date: 2026-06-02 2. Kyrgyzstan's fruit exports by type and destination tallied Per the Kyrgyz Agriculture Ministry, from January to May 2026 the country exported 18,882.37 tonnes of quarantine plant products. Fruit dominated at 12,700.39 t; berries 5,358.02 t; citrus and tropical fruit 823.96 t. The Russian Federation was the largest importer at 10,712.78 t (~57% of exports); Kazakhstan second at 7,375.82 t (~39%); other destinations: Uzbekistan (1,790.90 t), Tajikistan (34.8 t) and Qatar (0.2 t). Top categories by volume: apples 8,331.88 t, strawberries 5,339.72 t, sweet cherries 2,493.96 t, apricots 825.7 t, citrus 647.1 t, pears 542.7 t, grapes 250.3 t. By destination: to Russia - strawberries 3,075.52 t, apples 2,862.5 t, sweet cherries 2,270.66 t, apricots 733.7 t; to Kazakhstan - apples 4,098.68 t, strawberries 2,264.2 t, pears 532.7 t, sweet cherries 223.3 t. Source: Kabar (Kabar) - https://en.kabar.kg | Date: 2026-06-03 3. 36 agricultural cooperatives started operating in Q1 2026 Per the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry, in Q1 2026 Kyrgyzstan established and put into operation 36 agricultural cooperatives covering 391 hectares. Regional breakdown: Chui - 6 coops, 165 ha; Issyk-Kul - 6 coops, 73 ha; Osh - 9 coops, 32 ha; Jalal-Abad - 2 coops, 4 ha; Talas - 10 coops, 105 ha; Naryn - 1 coop, 10 ha; Batken - 2 coops, 2 ha. The development of the cooperative system continues, promoting voluntary association of small rural producers and introducing democratic management. Source: Akchabar (Akchabar) - https://akchabar.kg | Date: 2026-06-09 4. Kyrgyzstan and Venezuela expand aquaculture cooperation Per the press centre of the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry, deputy minister Rustam Baltabaev held an online meeting with representatives of Venezuela's People's Power Ministry for Fisheries and Aquaculture and Venezuelan ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Rosalba Lobue. The sides discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture, with special attention to technical exchange, trade in fishery/aquaculture products, and stronger inter-agency coordination. Venezuela expressed interest in cooperation including technical, veterinary-sanitary and legal aspects of sector regulation. After the meeting both sides confirmed a shared will to expand cooperation and agreed to continue drafting and signing a bilateral document that will underpin Kyrgyzstan-Venezuela cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture. Source: Kabar (Kabar) - https://en.kabar.kg | Date: 2026-06-17 5. Mongolia to export meat products to Kyrgyzstan Per the Kyrgyz Ministry of Economy and Commerce, on 18 June Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia held a video conference on deepening bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Kyrgyzstan was represented by deputy minister of Economy and Commerce Sultan Akhmatov; Mongolia by Idghiin Batha, state secretary of its Ministry of Economy and Development. The sides explored export potential, raising bilateral trade and strengthening economic ties, and exchanged views on creating better conditions. They specifically discussed prospects for Mongolian exports of meat products to Kyrgyzstan, exchanging views on veterinary and sanitary requirements and ensuring products meet quality and safety standards. Both sides reaffirmed willingness to deepen partnership and agreed to maintain regular contact to advance joint initiatives and consensus reached. Source: Government of Kyrgyzstan (egov.kg) - https://egov.kg/en | Date: 2026-06-19 Uzbekistan 1. On-site review of jute cultivation in Khorezm's Yangibazar district Uzbekistan's Agriculture Minister Ibrohim Abdrakhmanov visited Khorezm region, inspecting jute growth on a 6-hectare plot of the "Oltin Lola Dapmachi" farm in Yangibazar. The land was previously saline but now successfully grows jute, a high-value fibre crop. Jute yields large biomass quickly, adapts to varied soils and climates, and is eco-friendly. Trialling it on saline-prone land is important for improving land and water conditions and opening new income for farmers. This year Yangibazar sowed 21 hectares of jute, with agronomic measures proceeding per standards. The minister reviewed growth, irrigation and field care, and instructed responsible officials to deeply analyse results, tally yield indicators and fully assess jute's economic benefits. Jute is the world's second-largest natural fibre after cotton; fibre from its stalk is used for sacks, rope, geotextiles, packaging and industrial products. Demand for eco-degradable goods has recently risen, increasing jute's profile. Source: Uzbekistan Agriculture Ministry / UzDaily - https://uzdaily.uz | Date: 2026-06-04 2. Wheat harvest officially begins in Yangibazar district After a working visit to the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan's Agriculture Minister Ibrohim Abdrakhmanov arrived in Khorezm region and went to wheat fields in Yangibazar district to review crop condition and harvesting. Under governor Chorabek Rakhimov, the 2026 wheat-harvest season was officially opened there. Discussions covered: completing the harvest quickly and with quality; reducing losses and delivering sound grain to collection points; efficiently deploying machinery; and organising harvesting in an orderly way. In the fields the minister stressed the core task - gather every grain, finish harvesting promptly, and promptly clear vacated land for replanting. He instructed officials to implement agronomic measures on schedule and allocate machinery and labour well. The group later visited the Yusuf Hamadoni shrine in Shavat district to pay respects. The wheat harvest is a critical stage for farmers; the result depends on field work, discipline and organisation now. Source: Uzbekistan Agriculture Ministry / UzA - https://uza.uz | Date: 2026-06-04 3. Agro-insurance information system advances steadily To comprehensively promote digitalisation in agriculture, relevant agencies continue to handle insurance through the agro-insurance information system - processing applications, receiving public requests and reviewing them. The system simplifies procedures for crop farmers, broadens online service channels and enables rapid data sharing. Regular operational briefs are generated to raise the overall efficiency of agricultural digital services. Source: UzDaily / GAP IM - https://uzdaily.uz | Date: 2026-06-17 Tajikistan 1. Tajikistan's re-sowing area reaches 50,000 hectares As of 25 June, producers across the country had carried out re-sowing on about 50,000 hectares: 33,458 ha of grain, 967 ha of industrial crops, 5,194 ha of vegetables, 2,926 ha of melons and 5,377 ha of fodder. Per the Agriculture Ministry, Tajikistan's re-sowing mainly runs from June to August, after early crops are harvested, allowing two to three harvests a year from one plot; its main goal is higher agricultural efficiency. Proper use of the method can yield two or more harvests per plot per year, raising output and farm incomes. To use irrigated land effectively and achieve two-to-three harvests per the 2026 sowing plan, re-sowing is planned on 186,100 hectares: 111,725 ha grain, 3,730 ha industrial crops, 1,550 ha potatoes, 24,430 ha vegetables, 7,325 ha melons and 37,340 ha fodder. As President Emomali Rahmon noted on climate change and drought: "We must be fully prepared to prevent their negative consequences. We must take all necessary measures to ensure national food security, make full use of all available opportunities and resources, and reduce dependence on imported goods and products." Source: Avesta (Avesto) - https://en.avesta.tj | Date: 2026-06-29 2. Sughd region remains the leader in meat production and livestock In January-May 2026 Tajikistan's meat output from large and small livestock reached 85,822 tonnes, up 13.4% from the same period in 2025. Per the Agency under the President of Tajikistan for Statistics, large/small cattle meat output rose 1.9% in GBAO, 22.3% in Sughd, 8.5% in Khatlon, and 14.3% in the capital and districts under republican subordination. Over the period poultry-meat output was 17,922 t, 112.4% of a year earlier; Khatlon 3,799 t (112.6%), Sughd 9,546 t (118.4%), GBAO 25 t (104.3%), capital/districts 4,552 t (101.4%). As of 1 June, cattle numbered 3.0718 million head, up 263,400 (+9.4%) year on year; sheep and goats 8.1956 million, up 854,200 (+11.6%). Household farms account for 94.2% of livestock and 81.8% of cattle, sheep and goats. Sughd's cattle rose 11.4%, Khatlon 8.9%, GBAO 5.4%, rural districts 8.6%. Source: Avesta (Avesto) / fbrk.kz - https://en.avesta.tj | Date: 2026-06-28 3. Potato planting expands in Panjakent This year Panjakent farmers planted potatoes on 2,503 hectares. Per the Panjakent district administration, after harvesting barley, autumn potatoes are sown on the freed fields. Currently the Siroj Dehqan farm in Khalifakhasan village continues harvesting early potatoes; in early February farmers planted early potatoes on 8.7 ha per agrotechnical requirements. During the potato harvest, farmers also prepare soil for post-harvest use, planning to plant carrots, cabbage, peppers and fodder on the prepared areas. Agro-Mogion company's greenhouses grow tomatoes, cucumbers and other vegetables, raising yields and supplying domestic markets with affordable domestic produce. Source: Avesta (Avesto) / FreshPlaza - https://en.avesta.tj | Date: 2026-06-20 Turkmenistan 1. Nationwide grain harvest officially begins On 3 June Turkmenistan opened its 2026 grain-harvest campaign - a crucial production stage. Opening ceremonies were held simultaneously in Ahal, Lebap and Mary velayats, with department heads, front-line agricultural personnel and respected village elders attending. At the 22 May Cabinet meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed that wheat harvesting in Ahal, Lebap and Mary begin on 3 June and in Balkan and Dashoguz on 10 June. The president said this year's wheat looks promising nationwide and producers face an abundant harvest. The campaign will use modern combines and high-performance transport operated by experienced drivers. Mobile repair teams will serve producers around the clock, with fuel, lubricants and spare parts fully supplied. Laboratories of the state standards agency are ready to quickly test new grain quality with advanced equipment. The velayats held practical training seminars on standard harvesting procedures and smooth storage logistics. Developing the agro-industrial complex is a core priority of the national leader, Chairman of the People's Council "Hero Arkadag," and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov - policies to strengthen the economy and raise living standards via import-substituting agriculture, more output and higher export competitiveness, with digitalisation, new technology, modern processing/storage/seed/fertiliser facilities, and the 2028 social-conditions improvement programme. New high-yield wheat varieties "Serdar," "Arkadag" and "Pirag" keep raising yields and food security. Source: TDH (Turkmenistan State News Agency) / Turkmenportal - https://tdh.gov.tm | Date: 2026-06-03 2. Lebap velayat continues cotton field care Lebap agricultural workers plan to plant cotton on 130,000 hectares and harvest 320,000 tonnes. Per the "Golden Age" e-newspaper, this year's varieties are S-2606, Yoloten-39, Yoloten-7, Yoloten-53 and Mustakillik-30; trial varieties Bukhara-8 and Bukhara-10. The velayat is carrying out mineral-fertiliser application, top-dressing and all field-care work, using efficient machinery and full equipment. Cotton care is coordinated by the state machine service Lebap Agricultural Service Centre, with district stations responsible by zone. The velayat is now conducting its third irrigation; it also continues pest control and weeding. This is a critical care period deciding the harvest - with especially strong organisation in Hojambazi, Charjew and Sayat districts. Source: TDH / Turkmenportal - https://tdh.gov.tm | Date: 2026-06-22 3. Turkmen grain producers deliver over 1 million tonnes of wheat to state granaries Turkmenistan's contract grain growers have delivered over 1 million tonnes of wheat to state granaries. The news comes from the "Vatan" (Motherland) news agency. The result reflects both the hard work of diligent farmers and the effect of comprehensive state support for agriculture. Growers who passed the million-tonne mark are steadily advancing the summer harvest. Thanks to the coordination of growers, machine operators and transport staff, deliveries to granaries keep rising steadily. Newly harvested grain is taken to collection points, warehouses and elevators equipped with full specialised equipment, creating ample reserves for the state granaries. Source: TDH / "Vatan" news agency - https://tdh.gov.tm | Date: 2026-06-20 4. Mary velayat adopts a plan for large-scale sugar-beet cultivation The President of Turkmenistan signed a Resolution instructing the State Association of Food Industry and the Mary velayat hakimlik to ensure a bountiful sugar-beet harvest in the region's etraps using scientifically based crop rotation per agronomic requirements - to meet the challenges of agricultural development, raise agricultural and food output, and create guaranteed food abundance. Separately, this year it is planned to sow 14,900 hectares of sugar beet in Mary region; lands freed from wheat are being ploughed for the coming sowing. The state provides targeted support - re-equipping and modernising the agro-industrial complex, developing the chemical industry, and purchasing modern tractors, combines and other equipment. Source: Turkmenistan government (turkmenistan.gov.tm) / Trend - https://turkmenistan.gov.tm/en/post/107326/it-prescribed-ensure-production-bountiful-sugar-beet-harvest-mary-velayat | Date: 2026-06-10 Source compilation: Xinjiang Agricultural University Central Asia Research Center (WeChat public account 《新疆农业大学中亚研究中心》). Follow that account on WeChat for updates.
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Central Asia Agricultural Hotspot Tracker (Issue 6, 2026)Kazakhstan 1. Grain transportation up 15% in Q1 2026; feed-flour shipments to China double In the first quarter of 2026, Kazakhstan's total grain transportation reached 4.1 million tonnes, up 15% year on year. Of this, exports totalled 3.2 million tonnes (+18%) and domestic transport 900,000 tonnes (+8%). Exports to Central Asian countries rose especially sharply - by 48% to 2.1 million tonnes, including 1.5 million tonnes to Uzbekistan. Shipments to and in transit through Russia reached 512,000 tonnes; volumes to Afghanistan jumped 4.2-fold to 302,000 tonnes; and feed-flour shipments to China doubled year on year to 1 million tonnes. The Ministry of Transport said the coordination headquarters will continue its work, focusing on keeping transport flows stable and strengthening coordination among market participants. Source: Qazinform (Kazinform) - https://qazinform.com/news/kazakhstans-grain-transportation-grows-by-15-98063d/ | Date: 2026-05-04 2. Agricultural trade between Kazakhstan and Georgia exceeds US$116 million Kazakhstan's Agriculture Minister Aidarbek Saparov met Georgian Environmental Protection and Agriculture Minister David Songulashvili on 20 May. Last year bilateral agricultural trade grew 77% to over US$116 million. Kazakhstan's main exports to Georgia include wheat, rye, dairy products, onions and meat products. The steady growth signals strong cooperation potential. Saparov said: "We are ready to supply grain, flour, vegetable oil, meat and dairy products, pasta and confectionery." Veterinary cooperation is a focus; in January last year the two countries' veterinary services agreed on health certificates for Kazakhstan's exports to Georgia of breeding cattle, commercial cattle and slaughter cattle. The sides also discussed personnel training, scientific support for agriculture, and joint investment and research projects. Songulashvili confirmed Georgia's interest in deepening the partnership and developing mutually beneficial agricultural cooperation. Source: Qazinform (Kazinform) - https://qazinform.com/amp/kazakhstan-georgia-agricultural-products-turnover-exceeds-usd-116-mln | Date: 2026-05-20 3. Spring sowing completed on 14.5 million hectares nationwide Kazakhstan's spring field work is accelerating nationwide. According to the latest regional government data, 14.5 million hectares of crops have been sown. Grain crops account for 10 million hectares; oilseeds 3.2 million; fodder 861,400; cotton 167,300; vegetables 109,100; melons 80,300; potatoes 107,700; and sugar beet 22,000 hectares. Securing mineral fertiliser for producers was a priority. Kazakhstan's 2026 fertiliser use is planned at 2.3 million tonnes; 1.5 million tonnes of supply contracts have been signed, of which 1.3 million tonnes have been shipped. To ease access, regional governments allocated 56.3 billion tenge in 2026 local budgets to subsidise fertiliser purchases. The country's agricultural fleet includes 133,900 tractors, about 5,600 high-performance seeders, 71,400 planters and 188,500 soil-cultivation machines; 70 agricultural service centres provide ongoing technical support. Source: Grain Union of Kazakhstan / KazTAG - https://grainunion.kz/en/article/4351 | Date: 2026-05-26 Kyrgyzstan 1. Aravan's "Ferrari" pepper breaks all ripening records The Kyrgyz Republic's Agriculture Ministry announced the first successful harvest of Ferrari sweet peppers. Produce grown in the Dobro-Korgon aimak of Aravan district has gone on sale. Experts say the variety has a high ripening rate - its growing cycle is only 120 days, letting farmers quickly bring marketable product to market. The early-vegetable success in Aravan is thanks to the area's special climate: spring arrives much earlier than elsewhere in the republic, allowing farmers to start work sooner. Aravan has long been a centre of early-vegetable cultivation. Earlier this season local producers harvested potatoes and cabbage, sold both domestically and exported abroad. Source: Kyrgyzstan agriculture media (gazeta.kg) - https://gazeta.kg/en | Date: 2026-05-04 2. Fresh strawberries from Kyrgyzstan reach store shelves in Russia's Arctic A 20-tonne shipment arrived in Russia's Murmansk region. The berries passed phytosanitary controls and were certified safe for sale, confirming the high quality of Kyrgyz exports. Fresh Kyrgyz strawberries now appear on Arctic store shelves. Kyrgyz-imported strawberries are known for high taste and nutritional value. This year's harvest prospects are good, opening opportunities to increase both domestic and export supply. Experts say improved agro-technical conditions in Kyrgyzstan were key to a smooth start, giving farmers better berries and efficient logistics to deliver fresh produce quickly across Russia. The berry season is expected to last until late summer; phytosanitary compliance and product quality remain the focus of importers and consumers. Source: 24.kg (English) - https://24.kg/en/article/373682 | Date: 2026-05-13 3. May food-price review: onion, meat and potato prices rise in Kyrgyzstan On 13 May, the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry compared product costs in Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Kazakhstan across major categories from bread and dairy to meat and vegetables. In Kyrgyzstan the largest increases were: onions +7%, potatoes +6.5%, mutton +3.3%, beef +2.4%; sugar, local first-grade flour and pasteurised milk rose slightly. Eggs and imported first-grade wheat flour fell 2.5% and 0.1%. Kazakhstan saw sharp rises - pasta jumped 25.5%, carrots +12%, rice +7.9%, plus beef +1.7%, local wheat flour +1.5%, rice pasta +0.2%, refined sunflower oil +0.2%; but tandoor bread -14.1%, onions -9.1%, wheat-flour roll bread -8.5%, granulated sugar -8.1%, potatoes -6.4%, pasteurised milk -4.1%, eggs -0.8%. Russia was stable: carrots and potatoes +1.4% each, sugar +1%, other items slightly up; only pasteurised milk -0.4%. Source: Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry (mts.kg) - https://mts.kg/en | Date: 2026-05-15 4. Kyrgyzstan's meat imports reach US$22.62 million since start of 2026 In Q1 2026, Kyrgyzstan's meat-product imports were concentrated in poultry meat and offal, supplied at US$21.1 million - per the National Statistical Committee. Total meat-product supply was 19,391.5 tonnes. Structure: poultry and beef. The main poultry-meat volumes (17,765.1 t total) came from four countries: China 8,969.3 t (US$7.2M), Russia 4,385.3 t (US$6.0M), Ukraine (US$3.9M) and Kazakhstan (US$2.9M). Beef held an important share: 65.4 t of fresh/chilled beef from Belarus at US$347,400; frozen beef mainly from India (176 t, US$352,000), Belarus (US$119,700) and Russia (US$68,000). Against lower livestock supply, imports of finished meat products rose; Q1 cattle purchases fell 73.4% to 2,902 head (~US$802,500). Experts say importers prefer finished processed products, simplifying logistics and reducing veterinary risk. Source: 24.kg (English) - https://24.kg/english/374803 | Date: 2026-05-21 5. Kyrgyz honey exports grew by 78 tonnes in Q1 2026 From January to March 2026, Kyrgyzstan exported 152.8 tonnes of honey worth 37.3 million som (about US$426,600). The figure shows rising foreign demand and growing export potential for domestic honey, the Water Resources and Agriculture Ministry reported. Export volume rose more than 78 tonnes versus the same period last year. Kyrgyz honey is gaining ground internationally on its high quality and eco-friendliness, attracting more foreign consumer interest. The largest exports went to Uzbekistan. The ministry will continue systematic support for honey producers, expanding export opportunities, raising quality standards, developing new markets and boosting the competitiveness of Kyrgyz beekeeping. Source: Open.kg (English) - https://open.kg/en | Date: 2026-05-25 Uzbekistan 1. Ten dried vegetables from Uzbekistan cleared for the Chinese market In early May, during a visit to China by representatives of Uzbekistan's Plant Protection and Quarantine Agency, talks with China's General Administration of Customs secured phytosanitary clearance for this batch of produce. The dried vegetables granted a "China pass" are: carrot, beet, tomato, radish, eggplant, zucchini, pumpkin, onion, garlic and leafy greens. Enterprises planning to export these products to China must be listed among exporters recognised by the Chinese side, and must hold phytosanitary certificates and documents proving freedom from quarantine pests and parasites. Uzbek companies can apply to the Plant Protection and Quarantine Agency for inclusion. Per the State Statistics Committee, in Q1 bilateral trade exceeded US$4.6 billion (up from US$3.0 billion a year earlier); Jan-Mar Uzbekistan exported 340,000 tonnes of fruit and vegetables worth over US$317 million - vegetables 148,200 t, fruit 75,200 t, other farm products 88,000 t. Source: UzDaily (Uzbekistan Business) - https://uzdaily.uz | Date: 2026-05-23 2. Uzbekistan exports livestock products to the United Arab Emirates As part of Uzbekistan-UAE cooperation in food and veterinary safety, veterinary certificates for exporting hatching eggs, day-old chicks, poultry meat and rabbit meat to the UAE have been formally approved. The approval process included several stages during which the sides exchanged information on national veterinary oversight, epidemic stability, biosafety measures, laboratory capacity and export controls. In November 2025 a UAE delegation inspected Uzbekistan's veterinary system, poultry and livestock enterprises, production processes, laboratory work and export-certification mechanisms; the visit confirmed the system meets international requirements and UAE standards. The certificates' approval establishes the legal and practical basis for exporting livestock products to the UAE, helping expand Uzbekistan's export potential, open new markets for domestic producers and deepen bilateral trade and economic cooperation - a result of systematic veterinary reform reflecting adoption of international standards, stronger disease monitoring and commitment to food security. Source: UzA (Uzbekistan National News Agency) - https://uza.uz | Date: 2026-05-08 3. Uzbekistan and Afghanistan discuss agricultural cooperation Davron Vakhabov, chairman of the Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, met Mohammad Yousuf Wafa, Governor of Afghanistan's Balkh Province, in Mazar-i-Sharif. Jafar Fathaev, Uzbekistan's consul in Mazar-i-Sharif, and management of the Electronic Autonomous Solutions company also attended. The sides discussed developing trade and economic cooperation, including high-tech projects and joint agricultural programmes. Special attention went to a proposal to grow Uzbek cotton varieties in Afghanistan and to exchange experience in the field. Source: Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry / Kabar - https://kabar.kg | Date: 2026-05-18 4. Uzbekistan and Italy broaden practical agricultural cooperation During a visit to the Republic of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan's Agriculture Minister Ibrohim Abdrakhmanov attended the 35th FAO Regional Conference for Europe. Per the ministry, on the margins he met Guido De Sanctis, Ambassador of Italy to Uzbekistan. They reviewed the current state of Uzbek-Italian cooperation and how to raise it to a new level, focusing on agricultural education, science and innovation. Both sides highly valued Uzbekistan's initiative to send students to Italian universities. These projects are important for upgrading young specialists' knowledge and skills and bringing modern agricultural technology, advanced scientific methods and international experience into Uzbek agriculture. Proposals were also made on introducing innovative technologies, expanding research, strengthening water-saving cooperation and ensuring food security. Source: UzDaily (Uzbekistan Business) - https://uzdaily.uz | Date: 2026-05-12 Tajikistan 1. Tajikistan and the EU discuss cooperation in energy and water resources On 7 May 2026, Tajikistan's Minister of Energy and Water Resources Daler Juma met EU Ambassador to Tajikistan Radoslaw Darski in Dushanbe; the ministry's press service announced this. The minister opened by congratulating the EU representatives on Europe Day and noting the high level of Tajik-EU cooperation. Talks focused on energy and water-resources cooperation, including project implementation, and on expanding cooperation within Tajikistan's International Water and Climate Initiative. Attracting investment and introducing modern technology for water-resources development were highlighted. Participants stressed the importance of broad EU participation in the 4th High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action "Water for Sustainable Development (2018-2028)." After the meeting, both sides confirmed readiness to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation. Source: Avesta (Avesto) / Trend - https://en.avesta.tj | Date: 2026-05-07 2. Khatlon region exports 200 tonnes of farm products Khatlon region continues to expand agricultural exports. On Wednesday 13 May, accompanied by Khatlon governor Davlatali Said, ten trucks loaded with 200 tonnes of farm products left the region for foreign markets; the governor's press service announced this. Per the regional customs authority, since the export season began over 3,562 tonnes of farm products have left the republic via customs posts. Early onions made up most exports at 2,944 tonnes, plus over 226 t red beet, 73 t apricots, 20 t plums, 22 t cabbage, 20 t green onions and 257 t other produce. Authorities said customs-clearance procedures have been simplified and made more transparent to support entrepreneurs and exporters. Experts attribute the growth to improved infrastructure - logistics centres, warehouses, cold stores and packaging facilities. Officials stress that, per President Emomali Rahmon's instructions, agencies must make maximum use of opportunities to further increase exports of domestic products. For fast transport, international routes including Dushanbe-Bokhtar-Panj, Dushanbe-Kulob-Khorog-Kulma-China, Kyzylkala-Jirgatal-Uzbekistan and Bokhtar-Dangara-Kulob are actively used. The region works with relevant bodies including the government's Export Agency to develop export potential and promote domestic produce internationally. Source: Avesta (Avesto) - https://en.avesta.tj | Date: 2026-05-14 3. Khuroson silkworm breeders plan to harvest over 10 tonnes of cocoons Per Pillai Tojik company, over 7,500 kg of cocoons have been delivered to specialised facilities in Khuroson district. This year 400 boxes of Chinese silkworm eggs were distributed to district breeders. By season's end, breeders plan to harvest over 10,000 kg of cocoons. Currently 282 private-farm silkworm houses in the district are rearing silkworms. To feed the caterpillars, mulberry leaves are picked from 23 hectares of plantation; 6,000 mulberry trees were also planted this year to increase feed. Experts say each box needs 700-900 kg of mulberry leaves from cocoon collection onward, plus up to 60 m2 of dedicated space; each box yields 35-70 kg of cocoons, with experienced breeders collecting up to 78 kg per box. Source: Avesta (Avesto) - https://en.avesta.tj | Date: 2026-05-25 Turkmenistan 1. Turkmen producers showcase achievements at the "Agro-Pack Turkmenistan 2026" exhibition The recent "Agro-Pack Turkmenistan 2026" public exhibition in Ashgabat showcased the country's agricultural achievements and built a platform for domestic industry to expand external cooperation and find new opportunities. National leaders accompanied foreign professional guests through the exhibition, drawing wide attention. Turkmen industrial and agricultural representatives demonstrated the tangible results of deploying digital farming facilities. The state news agency TDH reported that such technologies directly raise yields and steadily improve produce quality indicators. Domestic producers actively promote innovative farming models, contributing greatly to agricultural modernisation. New agricultural technologies, land improvement, new cash-crop acreage and year-round greenhouse projects jointly secure steady harvest growth. A rich range of produce fills domestic and foreign markets and creates favourable conditions to expand exports. Turkmen farm products, on the strength of their quality and eco-safety, enjoy strong demand abroad. Source: TDH (Turkmenistan State News Agency) - https://tdh.gov.tm | Date: 2026-05-13 2. Turkmenistan trials Chinese cotton varieties on 650 hectares Per the newspaper "Turkmenistan," Dashoguz velayat selected 650 hectares to trial seven varieties of Chinese cotton seed. Most of the trial area (450 ha) lies in the Sadulla Rozmetov agricultural association. The sowing used Xinjiang agricultural techniques throughout, with Chinese machinery performing three operations in one pass: seeding cotton, laying mulch film and installing drip-irrigation pipe. The film protects seedlings from bad weather and pests and greatly cuts irrigation water - a major advantage in arid conditions. Association deputy director and MP Rasul Sadullaev said Chinese varieties outperform local conventional cotton in yield, drought tolerance and fibre quality. The association's total cotton area this year is about 7,500 ha; beyond the Chinese varieties it is also growing 2,000 ha of the high-yielding Uzbek Khorezm-127 variety. Source: Turkmenportal - https://turkmenportal.com/en/news/100979 | Date: 2026-05-05 3. Mary velayat's fruit, vegetable and melon area exceeds 28,000 hectares Growers in the Murgap valley continue vegetable and melon production under the country's agricultural-development programmes. The Miwe Agricultural-Industrial Association of Mary velayat works with farmers' associations, tenants, private farms and entrepreneurs on vegetable cultivation, especially potatoes and onions. In 2026, vegetable and melon crops in Mary velayat will cover 28,170 hectares. Spring potatoes are planted on 9,000 ha with a planned harvest of 126,000 tonnes; spring onions on 2,700 ha with expected output of 67,500 tonnes. Tomatoes cover 985 ha, and carrots and cabbage are also advancing among spring crops. Melons cover 4,315 ha with planned output of 86,300 tonnes. First spring-potato harvests are ripening and maintained per agrotechnical requirements; harvesting preparations are underway, with farmers targeting yields of 140 centners per hectare. The association also plans winter potatoes on 3,900 ha and onions on 2,700 ha later this season, plus mung beans (1,500 ha), beans (410 ha) and sesame (440 ha). Produce bought from tenants supplies state institutions, enterprises, kindergartens and military units. The association operates a refrigerated store in Mary velayat with 3,000-tonne capacity for preserving fresh produce. Source: Turkmenistan Golden Age (Altyn Asyr) - https://turkmenistan.gov.tm/en/post/105975/abundance-vegetable-production-guarantee-countrys-food-independence | Date: 2026-05-07 Source compilation: Xinjiang Agricultural University Central Asia Research Center (WeChat public account 《新疆农业大学中亚研究中心》). Follow that account on WeChat for updates.
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Central Asia Agricultural Hotspot Tracker (Issue 5, 2026)Kazakhstan 1. Kazakhstan's grain output to grow 9.5% this year Deputy Minister of Agriculture Yermek Kenzhekhanuly said on 2 April during a meeting with farmers in Kyzylorda region that Kazakhstan's agricultural sector has set a record high for the second consecutive year, fully demonstrating the sector's steady growth. Thanks to the introduction of modern farming techniques and the expansion of preferential financing, 2025 grain output rose sharply, domestic market demand was fully met and export potential strengthened. In the 2024–2025 marketing year, grain exports reached 15.3 million tonnes, up 60% from a year earlier. In 2026, crop-area diversification will be further strengthened: national arable area will rise to 23.8 million hectares and Kyzylorda region's to 186,000 hectares. At the same time, wheat area is to be reduced and oilseed and fodder crop areas expanded. In 2025 the government allocated 750 billion tenge for preferential financing, and this year's planned amount is similar. So far, more than 3,000 farmers have received financing totalling 334 billion tenge, including 36 farms in Kyzylorda region for 5.4 billion tenge. Support for livestock development will further drive the sector — the government has allocated more than 400 billion tenge for a comprehensive livestock-development programme. Overall, agricultural output is expected to grow 5.9% in 2026, with grain output projected to rise 9.5%. In addition, investment projects including dairy-farm construction are under way. Kyzylorda region has allocated 14.4 billion tenge to subsidise agro-complex projects in 2026. Source: Kazinform (Казинформ) | Date: 2026-04-02 2. Kazakhstan ranks among the world's top six in agricultural land area; resource strength aids crop-structure shift Kazakhstan's total agricultural land area ranks among the world's largest. According to the World Bank citing FAO data, Kazakhstan currently ranks sixth globally, behind only China, the United States, Australia, Brazil and Russia. Countries around the world each have advantages in specific crops — for example, the United States is the world's largest corn producer, Brazil leads in nuts and sugar cane, and Australia is known as a major wheat exporter. Kazakhstan has traditionally focused on grain crops, especially wheat and barley, but its planting structure is now gradually adjusting. In recent years Kazakhstan has steadily pursued an agricultural-diversification strategy. Specifically, it is reducing wheat area and increasing more economically efficient crops. Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov noted that priority is now given to oilseeds, fodder crops, barley and potatoes. According to the latest statistics, Kazakhstan's total sown area is 23.8 million hectares, up 180,000 hectares from last year. Wheat area fell 125,000 hectares to about 12.1 million hectares. At the same time, oilseed, fodder and barley areas are growing. The adjustments aim to raise agricultural efficiency, strengthen adaptation to climate conditions, and reduce dependence on global grain-price volatility. The shift to high-return crops is seen as key to advancing the country's agricultural development. In sum, with its vast land-resource reserves, Kazakhstan is steadily transforming its agricultural model, focusing on production stability, profitability and diversification. Source: Kazinform (Казинформ) | Date: 2026-04-03 3. Kazakhstan–Russia agricultural strategic cooperation deepens; 2025 trade reaches US$4.4 billion According to the Agriculture Ministry press service, on 10 April Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov held working talks in Astana with Russia's Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut. The two sides noted that in January this year bilateral agricultural trade rose 6.6% year on year. Saparov stressed the importance of the strategic partnership and pointed to agriculture's key role in bilateral cooperation. Over the past five years, trade in agro-industrial complex products has grown continuously, from US$2.9 billion in 2021 to US$4.4 billion by end-2025. In January this year, trade volume continued to grow 6.6%. The two sides have signed several documents on technology development and foreign trade. On electronic phytosanitary certificate exchange, the relevant information systems are fully integrated and a stable cooperation mechanism has been established with Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision ("Mercury" system). Source: Kazinform (Казинформ) | Date: 2026-04-11 4. Ministry: January–February grain output reaches 665 billion tenge According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Kazakhstan's grain output in the first two months of this year reached 665 billion tenge. The report said that to stabilise prices, regions allocated 42.5 billion tenge for stabilisation funds and 78.2 billion tenge for a "circulation mechanism." In the off-season, 247,000 tonnes of agricultural products (potatoes, onions, cabbage, carrots) were reserved. However, in some cases market-intervention measures were not implemented in time, affecting their effectiveness. Data show that in January–February grain output reached 665 billion tenge, with an actual-output fulfilment rate of 111.9% (planned fulfilment 104.3%). However, several regions — West Kazakhstan, Kyzylorda, Mangystau, Ulytau and the city of Almaty — failed to meet their plans. At the close of the meeting, the minister instructed local governments to take urgent, concrete measures to stabilise prices and raise output in the short term. Priorities include: timely procurement of vegetable products under preliminary contracts; agreements with southern regions for early vegetable delivery; and measures to use and replenish stabilisation funds effectively. Source: Kazinform (Казинформ) | Date: 2026-04-09 5. Kazakhstan's agriculture and livestock sector maintains steady growth, with livestock a significant share According to the Agriculture Ministry press service, a key pillar of the national economy, Kazakhstan's agro-industrial complex continues steady growth. In the first quarter of this year, total agricultural output rose 3.4% year on year to 898.7 billion tenge. Although the sector is long affected by seasonal swings, climate and logistics, overall development shows strong resilience. Today agriculture is both a major source of employment across regions and a growing driver of national economic growth. Development of the agro-industrial complex has effectively expanded processing, stimulated domestic demand and further underpinned national food security. By structure, livestock contributed most to output growth. The sub-sector reached 831.8 billion tenge, up 3.6% year on year; crop cultivation output was 52.5 billion tenge. On investment, fixed-asset investment in agriculture in January–February rose 76.5% year on year to 68.6 billion tenge. Food-processing investment grew 2.7-fold to 66.0 billion tenge. On livestock inventories, cattle rose to 9.2 million head, horses 4.8 million, camels 312,600, and sheep and other small livestock 23.2 million. Larger herds directly drove output growth of main products. Meat output reached 2.541 million tonnes, up 3.6%; milk 6.527 million tonnes, up 3.6%; poultry eggs 1.1176 billion, up 9.5%. The food industry also continued strong. Food-manufacturing output rose 12.6% to 1,027.4 billion tenge; beverage manufacturing rose 10% to 269.6 billion tenge. By product, butter output rose 55.4%, vegetable oil 17%, canned meat 10.5%, sausage products 6.5%, and fermented dairy products 4.7%. Overall, Kazakhstan's agro-industrial complex, while maintaining steady growth, effectively safeguards national food security and supports regional economic development and macroeconomic stability. Source: Kazinform (Казинформ) | Date: 2026-04-14 6. Kazakhstan plans to expand agricultural exports to Georgia, deepening cooperation Kazakhstan's Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov met Georgian Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture David Songulashvili to discuss prospects for deepening bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Saparov said Kazakhstan views Georgia as an important, promising partner in the South Caucasus with broad room for agro-industrial cooperation. Kazakhstan is ready to supply the Georgian market with various competitive products including grain and grain-processing products, meat and dairy. He noted that in the last marketing year Kazakhstan's total grain exports reached 15.3 million tonnes, a near-20-year high. The talks focused on expanding exports to Georgia of Kazakh wheat, flour and pasta products. The two sides also paid special attention to veterinary cooperation and reached agreement on certification for livestock and animal-product exports. In addition, they noted that in 2025 Kazakhstan exported 500 tonnes of pork products to Georgia for the first time. Both countries also expressed interest in further strengthening cooperation in personnel training, scientific research and agricultural development. Songulashvili said Georgia highly values the cooperation potential and is willing to actively promote continued expansion of economic and trade ties. Source: Kazinform (Казинформ) | Date: 2026-04-23 Kyrgyzstan 1. Kyrgyzstan agricultural census completion reaches 44.9% On 3 April, according to the National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, the national agricultural census coverage had reached 44.9% as of 1 April. The data were presented at a working meeting where Minister of Agriculture Erlistan Akunbekov assessed progress and implementation in the regions. Chairman of the National Statistical Committee Baktybek Kudaibergenov said some regions progressed faster — Naryn region 64.9%, Osh 60.8%, and Bishkek 54.3%. In his remarks, Akunbekov stressed that the agricultural census is of great strategic significance: a key basis for fully understanding the state of the agricultural sector, formulating effective state policy and ensuring national food security. The meeting also required state bodies and local governments to accelerate the census, including resolving staffing, providing transport and communications for enumerators, and implementing daily progress monitoring. Source: Kabar (Кабар) | Date: 2026-04-03 2. Kyrgyzstan's fish output grows more than sixfold from 2019 to 2025 On 13 April, Nurazamat Akpalaly Uulu, deputy head of the Fisheries Industry Complex Department, told a meeting of the parliamentary committee on agriculture that Kyrgyzstan's fish-product output has grown substantially in recent years. He said that in 2019 national fish output was about 3,000-plus tonnes, and by 2025 that figure had risen to 19,500 tonnes. He also noted that the department provides several paid services, including water-body registration, research work and issuing biological conclusions on fish farming. Source: Kabar (Кабар) | Date: 2026-04-13 3. Over 2.7 million fry released into Issyk-Kul On 6 April, Nurlzamat Akpalaly Uulu, deputy head of the Fisheries Complex Department, said that this year more than 2.7 million fry have been released into Issyk-Kul. Speaking on a live "First Radio" broadcast, he said the released fry include trout and whitefish varieties. Replenishment stocking is continuing. Besides Issyk-Kul, more than 4 million fry have been released into Son-Kul lake and about 2 million into the Orto-Tokoy reservoir. He noted that every winter mainly Issyk-Kul trout and whitefish fry are released, while in spring and summer carp and wild-carp fry are released. Data show that in 2025 more than 29 million fry were released into waters across Kyrgyzstan, and the 2026 plan is to raise that number to 30 million. Source: Kabar (Кабар) | Date: 2026-04-06 4. Kyrgyz parliamentary committee approves amendment to EAEU treaty to support agricultural cooperation The Kyrgyz Parliament's Committee on International Affairs, Defence, Security and Migration approved a draft protocol amending the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union signed on 29 May 2014. The amendment concerns a financial-support mechanism for implementing joint cooperation projects in the agro-industrial complex among EAEU member states. Mirbek Duisheev, Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan, said the changes will help create more mechanisms to support cooperation projects, clarify related obligations, further expand trade and economic ties, and promote cooperation and interaction among industrial enterprises of EAEU member states. Source: Kabar (Кабар) | Date: 2026-04-14 Uzbekistan 1. Beef and mutton importers to receive 50% air-freight subsidy To stabilise prices, Uzbekistan will provide temporary subsidies to meat importers. Under a presidential resolution, the support covers importers of beef and mutton as well as of live cattle. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a resolution on 7 April deciding to provide temporary subsidies from the state budget to meat importers to help stabilise prices. The measure aims to ensure stable meat supplies to the public. Until 1 August, importers of beef and mutton may receive a 50% subsidy on air-freight costs, capped at US$0.8 per kilogram. In addition, until 31 December, 10% of the rearing costs for cattle imported by air will be reimbursed, up to about 4 million soum (about US$331) per head. The subsidies will be funded through an agricultural-sector payment agency. Source: UzA (ЎзА) | Date: 2026-04-15 2. Fergana region to raise fruit and vegetable exports to US$500 million On 28 April, Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting on the socio-economic development of the Fergana region. Plans to open US$300 million in tourism facilities were discussed. The head of state spoke about agriculture and inflation reduction. At end-Q1, the region's price growth was 7.5%, lower than in previous months but still clearly above the national average. Fergana region has 370,000 hectares of irrigated land, of which 55,000 hectares are orchards and vineyards, but about 10% of farms are now abandoned. Suitable steppe and foothill plots add another 37,000 hectares, of which 6,000 hectares are vacant. Once realised, this potential would add 300,000 tonnes of fruit and vegetables. The president noted that this year the region needs to produce 611,000 tonnes of fruit, 252,000 tonnes of grapes, 1.8 million tonnes of vegetables and 119,000 tonnes of rice. The task is to increase fruit and vegetable exports by 25%, up to US$500 million. Source: UzA (ЎзА) | Date: 2026-04-29 3. Pakistan permits imports of Uzbek lemons, apples, figs and peppers The two countries agreed in February during Shavkat Mirziyoyev's visit to expand the list of phytosanitary permits. The Plant Protection Agency said Pakistani authorities have permitted the supply of four types of fruit and vegetables from Uzbekistan. Through negotiations between the two countries' plant-quarantine control bodies, Uzbek enterprises gained the right to supply peppers, apples, lemons and figs. The total number of agricultural products approved for export to Pakistan has reached 29. Imported products must be packed in plastic or cardboard boxes and stored at no more than 3°C. Exporters must also provide documents certifying the absence of dangerous pests. Previously, in December 2025, Uzbekistan obtained Pakistani permission to supply fresh grapes, cherries and pomegranates. In addition, then-AZPO director Ibrokhim Ergashev discussed potato supplies with Pakistani Ministry of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Amir Mohiuddin and Plant Protection Department director Ataullah Khan. Source: UzA (ЎзА) | Date: 2026-04-18 Tajikistan 1. Tajikistan's cotton sown area exceeds 23,000 hectares According to the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Tajikistan, as of 4 April Tajik farmers had sown cotton on 23,320 hectares. Of this, Sughd region sowed 2,701 hectares, Khatlon region 22,597 hectares, and the Districts of Republican Subordination 22 hectares. The ministry said the national cotton-sowing plan for 2026 is 186,800 hectares. Sowing continues across farms, aiming for high yields and contribution to national economic development. The report stressed that cotton not only provides raw material for the country's industry but also plays an important role in employment and manufactured-goods production. Farmers are sowing with quality seed and modern equipment, using high-yield varieties suited to the local climate. Cotton is one of Tajikistan's main export commodities, with its global market value rising year by year. Cotton farmers are doing their utmost to raise capacity, increase income and improve living standards. Source: Avesta | Date: 2026-04-07 2. Tajikistan plans to import up to 1.3 million tonnes of grain from Kazakhstan this year Joint Stock Company "Food Contract Corporation" of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan's State Material Reserves Agency reached agreement on strengthening cooperation in grain supply. At talks in Astana, the two sides noted that Kazakhstan has long been Tajikistan's traditional main supplier of wheat and flour. Current domestic grain production meets only about 40% of Tajikistan's needs. In 2024, Kazakhstan's wheat exports to Tajikistan reached 1.2 million tonnes, a five-year high. Nurmakhammad Ahmadzoda, head of Tajikistan's State Material Reserves Agency, said this season the plan is to import up to 1.3 million tonnes of grain products. He also invited Kazakh representatives to Dushanbe to inspect grain-storage infrastructure and explore participation in building new elevators and grain-processing enterprises. Ildar Ismagulov, first deputy chairman of Food Contract Corporation, said the company is willing to further expand cooperation. After the talks, both sides said they would continue long-term cooperation and hold further consultations on signing grain-supply contracts. Implementation of the relevant agreements will help strengthen the stability of the Central Asian grain system. Source: Kazinform (Казинформ) | Date: 2026-04-17 3. Horticulture development: 556.5 hectares of new orchards, 72.1 hectares of vineyards restored As of 1 April 2026, collective farms and individual peasant farms had established 556.5 hectares of new orchards, 2.5 times the area in the same period last year. Among the new orchards, pome fruit occupied 255.0 hectares, stone fruit 189.0 hectares, nuts 78.9 hectares, subtropical fruit 1.4 hectares, and berries 32.5 hectares. Notably, 336.5 hectares of the new orchards were laid out on rain-fed dryland, reflecting improved use of low-yield land, which is gradually being brought into agricultural production. In the same statistical period, 27.1 hectares of new vineyards were also established, some also on rain-fed dryland. In addition, 770.3 hectares of orchards and 72.1 hectares of vineyards were restored, effectively improving the farming conditions of existing plantations. Overall, the data reflect a positive trend in the country's horticulture and viticulture, not only strongly securing domestic supplies of quality produce but also further underpinning food security. Source: Agency of Statistics under the President of Tajikistan | Date: 2026-04-29 Turkmenistan 1. Dashoguz cotton-research branch develops new cotton varieties Recently, staff of the Dashoguz branch of the Cotton Research Institute under Turkmenistan's Ministry of Agriculture have been carrying out specialised work to develop new cotton varieties suited to the region's climate. This year the research team submitted seeds and full application materials for two new varieties — Dashoguz-11 and Dashoguz-12 — to the relevant ministry department for variety registration. Ch. Seitmiradov, head of the relevant Dashoguz body, said: "These two new varieties continue our institute's Dashoguz medium-staple cotton series. We are committed to improving local cotton quality and developing high-yield varieties highly adapted to local soil and climate. Both new varieties show clear improvements in per-hectare yield, fibre yield and fibre quality." Cotton cultivation is one of the region's core industries. Backed by the steady progress of various state projects, a full industrial chain has been built — from elite seed breeding and seed production to deep processing of raw cotton into finished products. Relying on local raw-cotton processing, industrial capacity keeps rising. Several large ginneries operate well; a new modern seed-cotton processing plant in Koneurgench district has annual capacity of 40,000 tonnes, with a raw-cotton storage station holding up to 10,000 tonnes at once. The region has three large cotton-textile factories supplying domestic and foreign markets. In addition, the Cheper garment factory under Turkmenistan's Ministry of Textile Industry, an enterprise producing sterile dressings from cotton-textile raw material, and several private processing plants all operate normally. Source: TDH (Turkmenistan State News Agency) | Date: 2026-04-13 2. Turkmenistan's president sets key goals for regional and agro-industrial development President Serdar Berdimuhamedov chaired a video working meeting reviewing seasonal agricultural progress across the country's regions and implementation of socio-economic development plans. The meeting focused on raising crop yields, strengthening fire safety, and supervising social-facility construction. Nationwide, winter-wheat field care is in full swing, including fertiliser application and irrigation. Cotton sowing is under way, and emerged plots have begun inter-row cultivation and irrigation. All regions attach great importance to potatoes, vegetables and melons to ensure ample domestic-market supply of local produce. Sericulture is a key task this season; regions are carrying out silkworm-house care on schedule to meet cocoon-production targets. As temperatures rise, the president ordered strengthened fire-safety measures — ploughing firebreaks and clearing land along railways, roads, pastures and forest belts. Beyond agriculture, the meeting reviewed progress on the national rural-development programme; industrial and socio-cultural facilities planned for completion this year across the regions continue to advance. The president instructed regional governors to strictly supervise construction quality and delivery schedules. At the close, Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of spreading innovative technologies and rationally using water and land resources. He noted that agricultural production must follow scientific approaches and efficiently apply modern technology — key to sustainable development and bumper harvests. Source: TDH (Turkmenistan State News Agency) | Date: 2026-04-21 3. Eastern Turkmenistan expects bumper main-food harvest 2026 is the "Year of the Independent, Neutral Homeland — Land of the Akhal-Teke Horse" in Turkmenistan. Lebap region has planned 1,400 hectares for spring potatoes this year, with an expected total output of 19,600 tonnes. This agricultural season, all districts of the region completed land preparation ahead of schedule, selected quality seed proven in local soil and climate and known for stable high yields, and sowed strictly per agronomic standards; seedlings are now even. Farmers aim for a yield of 14 tonnes per hectare. They are carefully tending crops, carrying out timely irrigation and inter-row cultivation, and applying organic and mineral fertilisers to help plants grow strong and raise yields. Charjev district is the region's main potato area: 380 hectares this spring, expected 5,320 tonnes; Danev district 300 hectares, expected 4,200 tonnes; Sayat district 200 hectares, expected 2,800 tonnes; Kerki district 150 hectares, expected 2,100 tonnes. In addition, the country's eastern regions allocated 900 hectares for spring onions this year, targeting 25 tonnes per hectare and a total of 22,500 tonnes. District arrangements are orderly and field care proper; onion crops look healthy. Dovletli and Charjev districts stand out, with spring-onion areas of 260 and 250 hectares and expected outputs of 6,500 and 6,250 tonnes respectively. Potato and onion field management is proceeding in an orderly way and harvesting is about to begin. All signs point to Lebap region farmers smoothly meeting their set production targets. Source: TDH (Turkmenistan State News Agency) | Date: 2026-04-27
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Central Asia Agricultural Hotspot Tracker (Issue 4, 2026)Kazakhstan 1. Kazakhstan's agricultural output nearly doubles in seven years; grain and oilseed harvests hit record highs The Ministry of Agriculture noted that large-scale financial support has been a key driver of sector growth. In recent years, through preferential loans totalling 1 trillion tenge, the agricultural sector has achieved record results for two consecutive years, further demonstrating the stability and development potential of the industry. At the same time, the level of agricultural machinery and equipment has kept improving, and the use of modern farming techniques, high-quality seed and fertiliser has continued to rise, boosting production efficiency. On financial support, about 14,000 agricultural producers received preferential loans, expanding farmers' access to financing and improving the production-planning capacity and compliance discipline of farming entities. In crop production, Kazakhstan's agricultural performance in 2025 was outstanding. The national average yield reached 16.3 centners per hectare, and the year's grain harvest totalled 25.9 million tonnes (net weight), including 19.3 million tonnes of wheat. Several crops set new records. In 2025 oilseed output reached 4.9 million tonnes and legume output 1 million tonnes. In addition, the country harvested 2.8 million tonnes of potatoes, 3.7 million tonnes of vegetables and 2.5 million tonnes of melons. Cotton also posted notable results, with annual output of 466,000 tonnes and a yield of 32 centners per hectare — the highest in 18 years. Meanwhile, the government continues to advance crop-structure diversification. In recent years, the planted area of the single crop wheat fell by nearly 900,000 hectares, while legume area increased by 275,000 hectares and high-value oilseed area by more than 1 million hectares. Among large-scale farms, potato area rose by 12,500 hectares. State support policies also drove technological upgrading. In 2025 national fertiliser use reached 1.8 million tonnes, up 500,000 tonnes from 2024; the share of premium (elite) seed rose from 9.5% to 11.6%. Agricultural machinery renewal accelerated markedly. In 2025 leasing of agricultural machinery reached 250 billion tenge for the first time, sharply raising the renewal rate over two years, and overall equipment wear fell from 90% to 70%. Farmers bought 25,000 machines that year, up from 22,000 in 2024, lifting the renewal rate from 5.5% to 6.5%. Growth in production also drove the food-processing industry. In 2025 Kazakhstan's food-industry output reached 3.9 trillion tenge, up 8% year on year (3.3 trillion in 2024). Compared with 1.7 trillion tenge in 2019, the food industry has grown 2.3-fold. Food production now accounts for 13% of the manufacturing structure and 6% of total industrial output. Output of several foods rose markedly: butter 2-fold, vegetable oil 1.9-fold, cheese and curd 1.7-fold, sausage products 43.3%, pasteurised milk 16.4%, flour 10.7%, pasta 1.4%. Currently, domestic self-sufficiency in 24 categories of major foodstuffs ranges from 80% to over 100%. To stabilise prices of socially important foods, regions have contracted 246,900 tonnes of agricultural reserves — including potatoes, onions, cabbage and carrots — sold at preferential prices through supermarkets, social stores and social-enterprise networks. As of 11 March, 153,400 tonnes had been released, including 89,900 tonnes of potatoes, 17,400 tonnes of onions, 22,000 tonnes of carrots and 24,100 tonnes of cabbage. Official statistics show the price index of socially important foods remained generally stable. The government continuously monitors market prices and ensures retail mark-ups on related goods do not exceed 15% above production prices. As production scales up and value added rises, agricultural exports have grown significantly. In recent years the export value of Kazakhstan's agro-industrial complex products exceeded US$7 billion for the first time, up 37% year on year — the highest in a decade. Ample grain output not only meets domestic demand but also creates conditions for expanding exports. In the 2024–2025 marketing year, grain exports reached 15.3 million tonnes, up nearly 60% from 9.6 million tonnes a year earlier — a record high in nearly 20 years. Source: Kazinform (Казинформ) | Date: 2026-03-14 2. 24 tonnes of Kazakh flour exported from Kostanay to New York KTZ Express, using the infrastructure of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, organised a new shipment of Kazakh wheat flour via the Kostanay–New York route. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the cargo was shipped on 10 March 2026 and comprised 24 tonnes of product from Salamat Company LLP, one of Kazakhstan's largest flour millers and a leading Central Asian enterprise. Growing demand for Kazakh flour shows sustained strong international-market interest in the country's products. The shipment used multimodal container transport, alternating rail and sea. KTZ Express handled the initial stage — loading the containers and moving them from Kostanay to the port of Aktau. The cargo then crossed the Caspian to the port of Baku, and proceeded via Poti to its destination. It travelled the Black Sea, entering the Mediterranean via Istanbul. The final leg crossed the Atlantic to arrive at the Port of New York. The sea leg was handled with CMA CGM, one of the world's largest shipping groups. Total transit time was 58 days. According to KTZ Express, the cargo was monitored from dispatch to final delivery point, demonstrating the reliability and transparency of the transport chain and the effectiveness of the route into new markets. Source: Kazinform (Казинформ) | Date: 2026-03-26 3. Kazakh Deputy PM meets Ukrainian deputy foreign minister, focusing on trade and agricultural cooperation According to the Prime Minister's office, on 2 April Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin met Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Oleksandr Mysnyk in Astana. The two sides discussed prospects for deepening trade and economic cooperation and exchanged views on options for resuming the work of the intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation. The agro-industrial complex remains a key area of cooperation. The meeting noted that dairy enterprises in several Kazakh regions have long maintained close cooperation with the Ukrainian Dairy Producers Association, covering the supply of quality breeding stock and training programmes for Kazakh professionals aimed at raising the management level of commercial dairy farming. Data show that by the end of 2025 bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and Ukraine reached US$415.8 million, up 5.4% from 2024. Kazakhstan's main exports to Ukraine include ferroalloys, fertilisers and rice; imports from Ukraine are mainly chocolate and cocoa-containing foods, flour products and confectionery, as well as medicines and cheese. At the close of the meeting, both sides expressed commitment to activating bilateral business ties, accelerating preparations for restarting the intergovernmental commission, and further strengthening cooperation in key areas, especially agriculture. Source: Kazinform (Казинформ) | Date: 2026-04-02 4. Kazakhstan's grain output to grow 9.5% this year Deputy Minister of Agriculture Yermek Kenzhekhanuly said on 2 April during a meeting with farmers in Kyzylorda region that Kazakhstan's agricultural sector has set a record high for the second consecutive year, fully demonstrating the sector's steady growth. He said that thanks to the introduction of modern farming techniques and the expansion of preferential financing, 2025 grain output rose sharply, domestic market demand was fully met and export potential strengthened. In the 2024–2025 marketing year, grain exports reached 15.3 million tonnes, up 60% from a year earlier. In 2026, crop-area diversification will be further strengthened: national arable area will rise to 23.8 million hectares and Kyzylorda region's to 186,000 hectares. At the same time, wheat area is to be reduced and oilseed and fodder crop areas expanded. In 2025 the government allocated 750 billion tenge for preferential financing, and this year's planned amount is similar. So far, more than 3,000 farmers have received financing totalling 334 billion tenge, including 36 farms in Kyzylorda region for 5.4 billion tenge. Support for livestock development will further drive the sector — the government has allocated more than 400 billion tenge for a comprehensive livestock-development programme. Overall, agricultural output is expected to grow 5.9% in 2026, with grain output projected to rise 9.5%. In addition, investment projects including dairy-farm construction are under way. Kyzylorda region has allocated 14.4 billion tenge to subsidise agro-complex projects in 2026. Source: Kazinform (Казинформ) | Date: 2026-04-02 Kyrgyzstan 1. Kyrgyzstan now able to independently supply several staple foods President Sadyr Japarov told a meeting of the Supreme Council (Parliament) that Kyrgyzstan can now independently supply six major foodstuffs — milk, potatoes, vegetables, sugar, meat and eggs. At the same time, the president noted that some foods remain import-dependent, including flour, fruit and vegetable oil. The government plans to gradually develop domestic fruit and vegetable-oil production to reduce import reliance. President Japarov also stressed that full flour self-sufficiency is difficult given natural constraints. He said: "Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous country; about 94% of its territory is mountains, with only about 6% of other land types, part of which is occupied by cities and settlements." Source: Kabar (Кабар) | Date: 2026-03-11 2. Kyrgyzstan exports corn to China for the first time Kyrgyzstan has exported corn to China for the first time, the Ministry of Agriculture reported. The first shipment, 25 tonnes from the "Ziyabidin Ata" farm, was dispatched on 16 March 2026. The ministry said the launch of this export was enabled by the Protocol on Phytosanitary Requirements for the Export of Corn from the Kyrgyz Republic to the People's Republic of China, signed by the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic and the General Administration of Customs of China on 15 September 2022. Two domestic enterprises have so far qualified to export corn to China. The move shows the ministry's continued progress in raising the country's export potential and complying with international phytosanitary standards. Source: Kabar (Кабар) | Date: 2026-03-19 3. Kyrgyzstan cleared to export frozen fruit to China According to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry, Kyrgyzstan enterprises may export frozen fruit to the Chinese market after registering in the GACC system (CIFER). The General Administration of Customs of China has confirmed that Kyrgyz frozen-fruit producers may register. Unlike fresh fruit, such products require no additional quarantine permits. Approved products include frozen strawberries, raspberries, cherries, apples, pears and other fruits. The competent authority handling registration is the State Inspectorate for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Safety (chemicalisation, plant protection and quarantine). The ministry called on domestic enterprises to actively pursue registration and export preparations, saying it will continue to provide support and advisory services for market entry into China. Source: Kabar (Кабар) | Date: 2026-03-23 4. Chicken and cooking oil drive up food prices Food prices rose in Kyrgyzstan. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, staple foods saw the largest increases. The biggest rises were: eggs +1.6%, refined sunflower oil +1%, potatoes +0.7%, mutton (excluding meat) +0.5%, beef (excluding meat) +0.5%. At the same time, onion prices fell slightly, by 0.5%. Price growth in Kyrgyzstan remained moderate, with most goods moving no more than 1%–1.5%. However, the rises affected socially important products, directly increasing households' daily expenses. In neighbouring Kazakhstan, price rises were more pronounced. Monitoring data show the following goods rose sharply there: mutton +12.5%, carrots +10.6%, pasta +3.5%, beef +3.2%. Prices of milk, eggs, rice and potatoes rose modestly. Meanwhile, onion and wheat-flour prices fell. Source: Akchabar | Date: 2026-03-31 Uzbekistan 1. Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan reach agreement in agriculture During a working visit to Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan's Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov met Uzbekistan's Minister of Agriculture Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov. The talks explored the current state of cooperation between the two countries' agricultural systems and prospects for expanding its scope. Both sides stressed that the friendly relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan in agriculture are developing steadily, with emphasis on accelerating trade turnover, implementing joint investment projects, energising businesses and expanding exchanges of modern technology. At the close of the talks, the Azerbaijan Agrarian Research Center and Uzbekistan's Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation System signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at deepening cooperation in science and education, exchanging experience and jointly developing research potential. Source: UzA (ЎзА) | Date: 2026-03-24 2. Cooperation in livestock breeding continues to grow The Hokim (governor) of Navoi region, N. Tursunov, met Sh. Bolortuya, director of Mongolian company BUJT, to discuss ways to strengthen Uzbekistan–Mongolia cooperation in livestock breeding. Under a resolution signed by the head of state on 11 February this year, "On Measures for the Sustainable Socio-Economic Development of Navoi Region in 2026," the region plans to import 70,000 small cattle (small livestock) from Mongolia. In addition, Navoi region is in talks with other countries on developing camel and horse breeding. Soon a group of entrepreneurs will visit Mongolia to negotiate and sign mutually beneficial agreements. Source: UzA (ЎзА) | Date: 2026-03-26 Tajikistan 1. President Emomali Rahmon launches cotton-planting campaign in Mastchoh district On 30 March, continuing his working visit to Mastchoh district, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Leader of the Nation Emomali Rahmon launched the cotton-planting campaign on the fields of the Mirkhond farm. The head of state familiarised himself with the course of field-agricultural work and gave farmers useful advice on the effective use of land, observance of agrotechnical norms, selection of quality seed and raising productivity. He stressed that development of the agricultural sector, especially cotton production, is one of the important directions for ensuring food security and the country's economic progress. President Emomali Rahmon was informed that for 2026, to organise the agricultural production of the district's farmers and public farms, a spring-sowing structure has been designed, with spring crops planned on about 20,000 hectares. Of this, cotton 12,450 ha, oilseeds 2,250 ha, legumes 2,700 ha, early potatoes 20 ha, vegetables 105 ha, and fodder crops 800 ha. To date, spring crops have been sown on 750 hectares in the district. There, the head of state visited an exhibition of agricultural products displaying abundant vegetables, legumes and fresh natural fruit. Mastchoh district farmers showed their products — vegetables, fresh and dried fruit, and crop seeds. The head of state emphasised strong foreign demand for peanuts, whose kernels are widely used in confectionery. Farmers were therefore encouraged to produce more such products and export them abroad. Source: Khovar (Ховар) | Date: 2026-03-30 Turkmenistan 1. Dashoguz region plans large-scale barley planting this year Barley, one of Dashoguz region's traditionally long-cultivated grain crops, has again been included in the region's large-scale grain plan this year, mainly thanks to its good adaptation to local soil and climate. Barley is both drought-resistant and able to withstand short frosts. At the same time, because of its adaptability it is also well suited to newly reclaimed land. Barley is fairly salt-tolerant and to some extent improves soil structure; its maturation period fits local growing conditions and its yields are excellent. This year the region plans total barley area of 1,000 hectares. The largest area is in Turkmenbashi district, projected at 350 hectares; Kunya-Urgench district is also a main producing area, with total sowing area of 250 hectares. For local producers, barley's key value is as highly nutritious livestock feed rich in quality protein and starch. Combining these advantages, barley has long been planted on a large scale locally and also drives ongoing barley-breeding work by the country's researchers. Source: TDH (Turkmenistan State News Agency) | Date: 2026-03-30 2. Bereketli retail chain launches premium sausage products The Bereketli economic association is one of Turkmenistan's leading producers of meat products and semi-finished goods, consistently supplying the public with high-quality products. The brand's own stores in Ashgabat offer a rich assortment, including various boiled sausages, smoked meat products, chicken rolls and poultry cuts. The stores are equipped with modern refrigeration to keep products in proper storage conditions. Bereketli's sausages are positioned as premium products, meet strict halal standards, and are produced without any harmful chemical additives. The company's sausages, semi-finished products, flour goods and canned meat are favoured by consumers for their rich, authentic taste. The company's own-brand packaged tea is also in strong demand because of its convenient, practical packaging. Since its founding in 1992, the enterprise has ensured product quality through a strong production base and years of experience. Production uses advanced technology from leading global companies, earning Bereketli recognition in international markets. As an active member of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, the Bereketli economic association has made an important contribution to enriching the domestic food supply and boosting economic prosperity. At a recent capital exhibition marking the union's 18th anniversary, the enterprise again confirmed its status as a quality, growth-oriented producer. Source: TDH (Turkmenistan State News Agency) | Date: 2026-03-31 3. Lebap region silkworm farms begin rearing season Large-scale silkworm rearing has begun in Turkmenistan's Lebap region, with silkworm farmers in the Koytendag, Dovletli, Kerki and Khalach districts starting first. This season's local production targets are clear: Koytendag district farmers plan to place 1,042 boxes of silkworm eggs and produce 38 tonnes of cocoons; Dovletli district 1,259 boxes with a target of 46 tonnes; Kerki and Khalach district producers have committed to supplying 85 tonnes and 97 tonnes of cocoon raw material respectively. Favourable weather and abundant precipitation let mulberry leaves mature early, enabling silkworm eggs to hatch on schedule and be distributed to contract-rearing households signed with the Lebap silk-production association. Meanwhile, eggs in the region's other districts have been placed in incubators for hatching, and local rearing sites are about to enter the critical stage of silkworm care. With thorough preparation and strict biological-rearing standards, Lebap silkworm farmers aim for a total of 1,010 tonnes of quality cocoon raw material. Professional technicians will provide ongoing guidance and monitor the rearing environment throughout to ensure efficient operation and achievement of the set output targets. Source: TDH (Turkmenistan State News Agency) | Date: 2026-04-01 4. Dashoguz region farmers plan record potato harvest this year Farmers in the Garashsyzlyk district of Turkmenistan's Dashoguz region plan a bumper potato harvest this year. Local potato area will reach 2,995 hectares, the largest being the Shavat farmers' association (470 ha) and the N. Andalib farmers' association (272 ha). Besides these associations, other producers will also contribute significantly, their area about one third of the district's total potato area. Overall, the region's total potato area this year will again reach 8,800 hectares. Local farmers expect a bumper harvest with a target yield of no less than 140 centners per hectare. Although large-scale potato planting there began relatively late, in recent years local growers have consistently achieved strong harvests. Over past years they have accumulated rich potato-growing experience. The main varieties grown are early- and mid-season types such as Gala and Sant, whose maturation and yield suit local conditions, with strong disease resistance and easy storage and transport. Source: TDH (Turkmenistan State News Agency) | Date: 2026-04-03
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Central Asia Agricultural Hotspot Tracker (Issue 3, 2026)Kazakhstan 1. Kazakhstan honey exports up 2.5 times; beekeeping accelerates toward a new agricultural-export engine Kazakhstan's beekeeping industry is entering a phase of rapid development and is gradually becoming a strategically significant and growth-potential direction in agriculture. According to Agriculture Ministry data, in 2025 Kazakhstan's honey exports reached 1,477 tonnes, up about 2.5 times from 603 tonnes in 2024, showing continued growth in international demand for domestic products. The main export market was Uzbekistan, with 1,264 tonnes, or 85.6% of total exports. In addition, honey was exported to Canada, China, Saudi Arabia, Russia and the United States, and entered the Omani market for the first time. At the same time, honey imports fell sharply, from 1,663 tonnes in 2024 to 262.4 tonnes, reflecting increased domestic capacity and a stronger market position of local producers. Currently, the country has 241,000 bee colonies across East Kazakhstan, Pavlodar, Almaty, Turkistan, Abai and Jetisu regions, of which 90,200 are pedigree colonies. National average honey output is about 5,000 tonnes a year, of which 46.5% (about 2,300 t) comes from household subsidiary farms and 54% (about 2,700 t) from agricultural-production enterprises. Under the state support framework, in accordance with livestock-development regulations, a subsidy of 200 tenge per kilogram of honey sold is provided to reduce production costs. To advance the sector systematically, the 2025–2027 Beekeeping Development Roadmap was approved in 2024. A working group has drafted amendments to the Beekeeping Law and the Improved-Breed Livestock Law, submitted to parliament for review in April 2025. The relevant authorities said the laws will improve sector statistics and management transparency, optimise operations, and strengthen the competitiveness of Kazakh honey in international markets, while laying the foundation for expanding export scale and promoting rural development. Source: Kazinform | Date: 2026-02-18 2. Kazakhstan plans to launch exports of Almaty Aport apples and processed products Kazakhstan plans to launch exports of Almaty Aport apples and processed products, including fruit leather (pressed apple purée) and dried apple slices. According to the Ministry of Trade and Integration, at the 2026 "Green Week" international exhibition in Germany, European buyers showed strong interest in importing Aport apples. To promote the product's entry into international markets, the QazTrade Trade Policy Development Centre and the Almaty Aport Apple Producers Association signed a memorandum of cooperation. The Almaty Aport Apple Producers Association unites 8 orchard farms with an annual output of about 1,500–2,000 tonnes of apples. The product has not yet achieved scale exports; the memorandum is seen as an important step in building a stable export system. Association chairman Roman Safarov said the uniqueness of Aport apples lies in their natural quality. Unlike commercial varieties bred for high yield and long storage, Aport apples are known for their distinctive taste, rich aroma and large fruit. The orchards are distributed in mountain environments above 850 metres elevation, a natural condition that helps increase fruit density and flavour depth. He noted that at the German exhibition, not only fresh apples but also processed products such as fruit leather and dried apple slices were displayed. In addition, the association also produces apple juice, apple cider vinegar and dried fruit. Participation in the international exhibition further validated the export potential of Aport apples and their processed products, with higher-value-added processed products attracting particular international attention. QazTrade Trade Policy Development Centre director Aitmukhammed Aldazharov said Almaty Aport apples have been registered as a geographical-indication product, an identity that helps protect their unique quality. The soil conditions, high-quality water sources and suitable climate of the Almaty foothills together shape the product's fine quality, giving it an advantage for promotion as a high-end specialty product in international markets. Source: Kazinform | Date: 2026-02-23 3. Since the start of the marketing year, Kazakhstan's grain exports reach 6.4 million tonnes, up 19.7% YoY According to the Agriculture Ministry press service, citing data from the national company "Kazakhstan Railways," from September 2025 to 19 February 2026 Kazakhstan exported 6.4 million tonnes of grain to international markets, up 19.7% from 5.4 million tonnes in the same period of the previous marketing year (2024/2025). The ministry noted that the growth in grain exports is mainly due to the continued expansion of trade with Central Asian countries and other traditional markets. Exports to Uzbekistan rose significantly by 46%, from 2.0 million to 3.0 million tonnes; exports to Kyrgyzstan grew 1.7-fold, from 104,000 to 180,000 tonnes; and exports to Afghanistan grew 1.9-fold, from 236,000 to 466,000 tonnes. The ministry said the sustained export growth indicates strong international demand for Kazakh grain and reflects the strong competitiveness of the country's grain products. In addition, in 2025 Kazakhstan's grain output hit a record high of 27.1 million tonnes, with an average yield of 17 centners per hectare, up from 16.2 centners in 2024. Within that, wheat output was 20.3 million tonnes, with an average yield of 16.6 centners per hectare. Source: Kazinform | Date: 2026-02-23 4. Kazakhstan optimises planting structure, continues to reduce wheat area in 2026 The Agriculture Ministry has approved the 2026 planting-structure forecast plan. The plan aims to further reduce wheat planting area and raise the share of high-value-added crops through continuous optimisation of the planting structure. At a government meeting on the 24th, Agriculture Minister Aidarbek Saparov presented progress on spring-sowing preparation, the operation of the agricultural preferential-loan mechanism, and the supply of agricultural production materials. According to him, to ensure raw-material supply for domestic processors and reduce the risk of market-price fluctuations, this year's total sown area is expected to be about 23.8 million hectares, up 180,000 hectares from last year. The 2026 planting-structure adjustment will continue to tilt toward high-return crops, specifically: fodder crops: +242,000 ha; barley: +94,000 ha; maize: +90,000 ha (total to reach 265,000 ha); oilseeds: +55,000 ha; potatoes: +10,300 ha; wheat: −125,000 ha (total maintained at about 12.1 million ha). This year we plan to allocate 700 billion tenge to support preferential loans for spring and autumn field work. It should be noted that acceptance of spring-sowing loan applications was launched early, last October. To date, about 1,900 agricultural producers have received cumulative financing of 200 billion tenge, 27% of the planned total, with loan-disbursement progress 6 percentage points ahead of the same period last year. In addition, Saparov added that to ensure spring sowing is completed on schedule and with high quality, the government has allocated 402,000 tonnes of preferential diesel. Meanwhile, this year's national agricultural-machinery renewal-rate target is planned to be raised to 8%. Source: Kazinform | Date: 2026-02-24 Kyrgyzstan 1. Kyrgyz Cabinet extends fish-feed VAT exemption to end of 2027 Kyrgyzstan's Cabinet amended the resolution "On measures to ensure food security and stable market prices in the Kyrgyz Republic." The decision was signed by Cabinet Chairman A. Kasymaliev. The document aims to support domestic producers, ensure national food security, stabilise food market prices to safeguard the functioning of the internal market, and improve product quality. Under this resolution, until 31 December 2027, the value-added tax rate for aquaculture feed of commodity codes 2309901000, 2309903100 and 2309909609 under the Foreign Economic Activity Commodity Classification, supplied by feed producers to agricultural producers engaged in fish farming, is set at 0% (zero). Source: Kabar (Kyrgyzstan National News Agency) | Date: 2026-02-17 2. Kyrgyzstan advances viticulture development and agricultural digitalisation Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry said the country's viticulture shows positive development. In 2025, Kyrgyzstan's total vineyard area reached 2,870 hectares, up 225 hectares or 8.5% from 2024. Total grape output reached 5,990.1 tonnes, up 1% year on year. The average yield was 20.5 quintals per hectare. To support sector development, from January to May 2025, grape seedlings imported from Serbia completed quarantine phytosanitary inspection, and virus-free and wine-specific varieties were selected. In addition, a grape-industry development project is being implemented in Leilek district, Batken region. In Zhaani-Djer rural district, cooperatives grow varieties such as "Avatars" and "Kishmish." At the same time, new nurseries are being built to specialise in varieties such as "Avatar," "Monikur Single" and "Kishmish." The agriculture department noted that, to promote digital services in agriculture, an agricultural portal has been launched. The platform provides online public services to farmers and publishes the latest industry information. Functions already available on the platform include tariff-quota applications, pedigree-livestock farm registration, fishing-licence processing, and bioprotection and agrochemical services. The agricultural portal aims to advance agricultural digitalisation and build a unified information-service platform. Source: Kabar (Kyrgyzstan National News Agency) | Date: 2026-02-17 3. Kyrgyz honey approved for export to the EU According to Kyrgyzstan's Cactus network on 30 January, citing the Agriculture Ministry, the European Commission has included honey produced in Kyrgyzstan in the list of special technical regulations allowing entry into the EU market, indicating that Kyrgyzstan's regulatory and certification system now meets EU requirements. The European Commission's decision helps expand the sales market for Kyrgyz honey and enhance the international competitiveness of domestic products. It is reported that Kyrgyzstan had previously made several attempts to promote honey exports to Europe, but exports could not be realised due to the EU's strict certification requirements. Source: PRC Embassy in Kyrgyzstan (Economic & Commercial Office) | Date: 2026-02-06 4. Kyrgyzstan to increase pea exports to Pakistan Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan Bekten Bekbolotov met with Pakistani Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Altamash Wazir Khan. According to the ministry, the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation in agriculture, trade and the halal industry. Special attention went to expanding Kyrgyzstan's pea exports to the Pakistani market and developing reciprocal trade in agricultural products. The Pakistani side expressed a wish to exchange experience with Kyrgyzstan on milk processing and dairy development. Pakistan also offers short- and long-term training courses in agriculture and forestry under a technical-assistance programme. The parties agreed to strengthen work on relevant personnel appointments, forming a joint technical-expert working group, developing honey and dried-fruit trade, promoting joint ventures, and continuing expert consultations on issues of common interest. Source: Kabar (Kyrgyzstan National News Agency) | Date: 2026-02-06 5. Torobayev: several regions set record vegetable yields last year At a meeting of the committee on agricultural policy, water resources, mineral use, ecology and environmental protection of Kyrgyzstan, Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Food Industry Bakyt Torobayev delivered a report on preparations for spring field work. According to him, on the export direction to China, Kyrgyzstan has signed 15 protocols with China, with another 3 new protocols under preparation. In addition, 17 categories of products are exported without the need for protocols. Torobayev said: "In the EAEU country market, a total of 462 enterprises operate. Through relevant work, Kyrgyzstan has obtained permission to export honey to the EU. In 2025 the national gross agricultural output reached 459 billion som, an increase of 62.9 million som over the previous period. Processing-industry output was 104 billion som, up 16 billion som year on year." He noted that vegetable yields in several areas set records: in Zail district tomatoes reached 120 t/ha, in Leilek district onions 113 t/ha, in Manas district peppers 120 t/ha, and in Kochkor district potatoes 30–35 t/ha. Source: Kabar | Date: 2026-02-10 Uzbekistan 1. Agricultural portal now available on mobile Uzbekistan's Ministry of Agriculture's unified integration platform for "Digital Agriculture" — the Agroportal agricultural portal — has now launched a mobile version! Through this mobile application, users can: conveniently and securely use e-government services in agriculture quickly; submit applications and documents and receive feedback entirely online; generate, store and verify the authenticity of electronic documents; and monitor in real time the operational status of services related to the agro-industrial complex. The Agroportal mobile application is a convenient, efficient and reliable information and service gateway built for every agricultural practitioner. Every agricultural practitioner can use all functions via a smartphone or tablet. Source: Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan | Date: 2026-03-12 2. Uzbekistan provides tax incentives for some industries Uzbekistan Daily reported on 7 January that, under a decree signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 25 December, Uzbekistan will apply a zero profit-tax rate to high-tech products, providing tax incentives for several industries. High-tech product incentives: a zero profit-tax rate; the remaining book value of production equipment is excluded from the property-tax base; the list of beneficiary producers is approved by the president; and enterprises enjoy the incentive for three consecutive years after commissioning. Other industry incentives include: enterprises providing international transport and freight-forwarding services enjoy a zero business-tax rate; until 1 January 2028, sewing, knitting, footwear and leather enterprises apply preferential rates of 2% profit tax and 1% social tax, with conditions including at least 70% of income from the relevant business and raw-material processing, and employee wages at least twice the minimum wage, i.e. 2.542 million soum (about US$210); until 1 January 2031, enterprises in creative-industry parks enjoy a 50% reduction in personal income tax and social tax; financial and bond incentives: interest income from bonds issued by housing-mortgage refinancing institutions and their authorised bodies is exempt from profit tax until 2030. Source: PRC Embassy in Uzbekistan (Economic & Commercial Office) | Date: 2026-01-30 3. Uzbekistan's food output reaches 152.1 trillion soum According to the State Statistics Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in 2025 the food-production output of Uzbekistan's large enterprises reached 152.1 trillion Uzbekistani soum (UZS), up 9.7% from 2024. This helps ensure domestic-market stability and expand exports, and is a key factor in promoting economic development and improving people's welfare. Food output by region: Karakalpakstan — 6.6 trillion UZS; Andijan region — 9.6 trillion UZS; Bukhara region — 11.3 trillion UZS; Jizzakh region — 3.3 trillion UZS; Kashkadarya region — 10.2 trillion UZS; Navoi region — 7.9 trillion UZS; Namangan region — 8.5 trillion UZS; Samarkand region — 19.5 trillion UZS; Surkhandarya region — 3.2 trillion UZS; Syrdarya region — 5.4 trillion UZS; Tashkent region — 21.5 trillion UZS; Fergana region — 11.6 trillion UZS; Khorezm region — 6 trillion UZS; Tashkent city — 27.6 trillion UZS. Source: Central Asian News Agency (CA-News) | Date: 2026-02-28 Tajikistan 1. Tajik fish catch down nearly 20% In Tajikistan, a decline in fish output was recorded at the start of 2026. According to the Statistics Agency under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, in January the volume of aquaculture products fell 19.3% compared with the same month last year. In the first month of this year, a total of 388.5 tonnes of fish were caught. The main output was concentrated in Khatlon region — 231.4 tonnes. The catch structure was led by silver carp (59.4 t), carp (44.9 t), trout (94.8 t) and grass carp (35.2 t). In addition, 0.5 t of pike and 153.7 t of other fish were caught. Despite the decline in early-year indicators, the relevant authorities still consider fish farming one of the promising areas for agricultural development. In the Agri-Food System and Sustainable Agricultural Development Programme to 2030, the sector is regarded as an important component of ensuring national food security. The document points out that Tajikistan, with its abundant water resources, has great potential for fisheries development. However, the sector faces many problems — a weak production base and a lack of feed, technology and professional personnel. Under the government's plan, by 2030 fish production should cover 50–60% of domestic demand, and the share of domestic products in the market will increase. This will also create new jobs in rural areas. In recent years, the number of domestic fish farms has gradually increased. Thus, as of 2025, the republic had 366 fish farms, with fishery reservoir area reaching 2,800 hectares. At that time total fish output reached 5,600 tonnes. However, experts note that fish-farm productivity remains relatively low. If in the 1990s it was 30–35 centners per hectare, today the figure is about 15–16 centners (1,500–1,600 kg); the main reasons are feed shortages, deteriorating infrastructure and technological constraints. At the same time, domestic fish consumption remains far below recommended standards. Tajikistan produces only about 190 grams of fish per capita per year, ranking last among former Soviet countries. And at least 9 kg is needed. Experts say the supply of this product to the public remains low, and further developing fisheries is seen as one way to improve food security and population nutrition. Source: Asia-Plus | Date: 2026-03-10 2. Tajik dried fruit proves very popular in Penza In Penza, Russian Federation, two stores selling Tajik products have begun to open. According to an NIAT "Khovar" correspondent, these stores offer customers dried fruits from Tajikistan, including dried apricots, apricots, mulberries, walnuts, rose hips, raisins, apples and pears, canned fruit, melons, fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as food including soft drinks and confectionery. All products sold are manufactured in Tajikistan. This factor plays an important role in demonstrating the country's production potential and attracting the attention of foreign citizens to domestic products. Penza has many Tajik citizens who like fruit and dried fruit, and these stores have attracted regular customers. Tajikistan's exported products mainly use modern cardboard and plastic packaging, with attractive designs that meet international standards, enhancing their competitiveness in international markets. It is worth noting that Tajikistan's processing and manufacturing enterprises currently produce about 80 types of products. More than 25 products alone are produced from apricots, plums, apples, persimmons, peaches, figs, mulberries, lemons, walnuts, pistachios, almonds and grapes (raisins). Tajikistan is recognised as a high-quality apricot-producing country, and the development of the dried-fruit processing and export industry is one of the important sectors of the national economy. This process creates favourable conditions for new jobs, increased exports and strengthening the position of Tajik products on the international stage. Source: Khovar | Date: 2026-02-19 3. A seven-hectare orchard built in Dushanbe In Dushanbe, an orchard of more than 7 hectares has been planted, with apple, plum and grapevine seedlings. In addition, more than 7,000 evergreen-plant seedlings were planted. The garden's construction was the responsibility of the State Land Management and Geodesy Committee of the Republic of Tajikistan. As the committee described, the botanical garden was built under the framework of the "National Landscaping Plan of the Republic of Tajikistan to 2040," aimed at improving the country's environmental condition. Before work began, representatives of the committee's structural divisions attended a seminar. The meeting discussed the correct planting of seedlings in line with agrotechnical standards, as well as soil characteristics for the successful growth of plants. The chairman of the State Land Management and Geodesy Committee of the Republic of Tajikistan, Orif Khodjazoda, noted that the purpose of this consultation was to correctly plant seedlings according to agrotechnical standards, create a greening and landscape garden, and ensure its growth, which will help improve and beautify the city of Dushanbe. The director of the design and research institute "Tojikzaminsoz" detailed the methods of planting and caring for seedlings in the area. It was also noted that the institute's experts had collected soil samples and determined soil composition. The project also emphasises the need to observe agrotechnical requirements when carrying out landscaping works, which will further ensure the growth and successful development of the seedlings. As part of the project, two water tanks will be built on the land to water the seedlings and promote their healthy growth. Source: Asia-Plus | Date: 2026-03-05 Turkmenistan 1. Turkmenistan to coordinate the production and management of 2.1 million tonnes of raw cotton in 2026 The President of Turkmenistan, deeply aware of the importance of enhancing the advantages of the cotton industry and consolidating its core position, has made this a core goal. In 2026, a national-level event "Turkmen Cotton" will be held, and related evaluations will revolve around the production and management of 2.1 million tonnes of raw cotton. The event will coordinate agricultural communities, production units and farmers across regions, ensure the material and technical support needed for cotton production, promote high-quality development of the cotton industry, and properly handle related debts and production affairs. Source: Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan | Date: 2026-02-14 2. Turkmenistan's fruit-and-vegetable exports up 30% in 2025 In 2025, Turkmenistan's exports of fruit-and-vegetable products increased by 30%. Last year, Turkmenistan exported 2.63 million tonnes of agricultural products, of which more than 263 tonnes were speciality categories. In particular, in 2025 the country exported 181 tonnes of Gokarak tomatoes, while in 2024 it exported "Bilenbili" (a specific fruit/vegetable variety) accounting for 21% of the relevant category. According to customs data, export growth in 2025 for the following food categories was: fruit, vegetables and melons — 5%; fruit and vegetables — 3%; health foods related to disease prevention — 123%; non-alcoholic beverages — 282.6%. Source: Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan | Date: 2026-02-23 3. Turkmenistan's spring-sowing preparations Turkmenistan's Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Tangryguly Atakhallyev reported to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on sowing work during an inspection of agricultural-community work and familiarisation with the regional situation. The Turkmen state news agency reported this. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highly praised the achievements of agricultural communities in improving irrigation systems, planting crops and raising yields, and instructed that agrotechnical work continue in all areas and that state measures be taken in a timely manner. Source: TDH (Turkmenistan State News Agency) | Date: 2026-02-28
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Central Asia Agricultural Hotspot Tracker (Issue 2, 2026)Kazakhstan 1. More countries to import meat from Kazakhstan this year Deputy Minister of Agriculture Amankeldi Berdalin said the number of countries importing meat and livestock products from Kazakhstan will increase further this year. Speaking at a Senate discussion on the development prospects of animal husbandry, Berdalin noted that in 2025, 16 veterinary certificates were negotiated and formally signed. This will create the conditions for Kazakhstan to export livestock products to markets including the EU countries, the United Kingdom, Iraq, Iran, the United States, Canada, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf states. He said that in 2026 Kazakhstan plans to continue expanding the range and destinations of livestock-product exports, with priorities including: China — poultry, chilled and fresh meat, beef, small livestock and pig by-products; the EU — horse meat and aquaculture products; Pakistan — beef, small livestock, poultry and other livestock products; as well as other potential export markets. The relevant work aims to gradually expand the international market access and competitiveness of Kazakh livestock products. Source: Kazinform | Date: 2026-01-21 2. 432,000 tonnes! Kazakhstan's grain shipments up 25% YoY last year According to the Agriculture Ministry press service, last year the Republican Grain Storage Company LLC — a subsidiary of the national grain-contract group — ensured the stable operation of its elevators and successfully completed grain procurement, including state reserve grain. Statistics show that from January to December 2025, the company's elevators received a cumulative 434,000 tonnes of grain, of which 358,000 tonnes was new-crop grain. As of 19 January 2026, grain stocks at the company's elevators stood at 264,000 tonnes. Over the past year, through four major grain bases, the company shipped a cumulative 432,000 tonnes of various grains and oilseeds. Compared with the same period in 2024, shipments rose markedly by 25%. To ensure transparency in grain intake, the company introduced an agricultural-weighing information system with image registration at all procurement points, which minimises human interference in the procurement process. On infrastructure, the company allocated 404 million tenge last year for the routine maintenance and modernisation of its elevators. With these funds it purchased new drying equipment and transport vehicles for three grain bases, repaired warehouse buildings, and replaced railway-siding switches. In 2026, the Republican Grain Storage Company plans, on the basis of continued modernisation of production facilities, to launch several investment projects aimed at expanding the throughput capacity of its elevator network. Source: Kazinform | Date: 2026-01-23 3. Kazakhstan to expand planting of socially significant food crops in 2026 Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin said that in 2026 the country will further expand the planting area of socially and nutritionally significant vegetables and maize, to ensure stable market supply and food security. At a headquarters meeting on spring-sowing preparation and implementation chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, Deputy Agriculture Minister Azat Sultanov reported that regions must work to increase vegetable planting areas, with emphasis on potatoes and carrots. He noted that last year's targeted effort to expand potato planting paid off, with organised-farm area increasing by 12,500 hectares. The deputy minister stressed: "Yields directly affect price stability in the market. Therefore, when finalising sowing structures, regions must implement expanded carrot planting as an important task." In addition, the expected sowing structure plans a phased expansion of buckwheat area. In 2026 buckwheat area is to increase by 10,000 hectares to 101,000 hectares (91,000 hectares in 2025). Regions have been instructed to ensure the set targets are met. The meeting also paid special attention to expanding maize planting area. Earlier, MP Dyusenbai Dauletbaev proposed accelerating adoption of the Food Security Law draft to further strengthen the state's safeguard mechanism in this area. Source: Kazinform | Date: 2026-01-27 4. Kazakhstan plans to expand grain, meat and oilseed exports to the UAE During a working visit to Dubai (UAE) to attend Gulfood 2026, the world's largest food and beverage exhibition, Agriculture Minister Aidarbek Saparov met with UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment Sheikha Al Dhaheri. The two sides exchanged in-depth views on strategic agricultural cooperation and agreed that agricultural and food-security cooperation is an important part of bilateral relations. "The UAE is one of Kazakhstan's main partners in the Middle East. In the first 11 months of 2025, bilateral trade in agro-industrial-complex products grew about 7% year on year. Main exports include lamb, beef, legumes, wheat and other farm products. We are interested in further expanding exports to the UAE, with emphasis on increasing supplies of grain and grain-processing products, oilseeds, vegetable oil, meat and feed products, especially halal and eco-friendly products," said Saparov. He also proposed considering long-term export contracts with the involvement of the two governments and quasi-governmental bodies. To date, veterinary-requirement coordination continues, and 13 Kazakh enterprises have been licensed to export meat and poultry to the UAE. In addition, agreements have been reached on supplies of live small and large livestock, meat and eggs. Kazakhstan is a major agricultural producer in Eurasia, ranking among the world's top ten grain exporters, second in the world in flour exports (1.7 million tonnes) and eighth in sunflower-oil exports (600,000 tonnes). The country's annual grain exports are stable at 13–14 million tonnes. "On this basis, we are ready, within the framework of the UAE's National Food Security Strategy to 2051, to become a long-term reliable partner. To systematically advance cooperation, a roadmap for 2026–2028 on mutually beneficial supplies of agricultural products and expanded investment cooperation has been drawn up. Its signing will inject new momentum into bilateral relations," Saparov emphasised. Al Dhaheri responded: "Kazakhstan is a partner with great potential in agriculture. We highly value the capacity of your agro-industrial complex and the quality of its products. The UAE is ready to deepen cooperation in food security, jointly implement projects, and establish a working group to strengthen practical coordination." Notably, Kazakhstan participates in Gulfood 2026 for the first time with a unified national pavilion, with 30 Kazakh enterprises presenting more than 300 export-oriented products spanning grain and deep-processed products, flour, meat and dairy, vegetable oil and fats, and high-value-added processed foods. Source: Kazinform | Date: 2026-01-29 5. Kazakhstan to supply US$5 million of edible-oil products to Estonia Following a roundtable chaired by Agriculture Minister Aidarbek Saparov on the sidelines of Gulfood 2026, the Kazakhstan Oilseed Processors Association and Estonian company Aktsiaselts Letofin signed a memorandum of cooperation. Under the document, Estonia will purchase at least US$5 million worth of Kazakh edible-oil products — an important step in strengthening trade and economic ties between Kazakhstan and EU countries. According to Yadkar Ibragimov, chairman of the national Oilseed Processors Association, domestic oilseed products have gained a foothold in the European market. Kazakhstan currently ranks third in the EU for sunflower-meal exports. The agreement will help increase sunflower-meal supplies and significantly raise the export potential of the whole sector, he said. He also noted strong interest from Gulf countries in Kazakh products, especially high-quality bottled sunflower oil. He said several refineries plan to launch new cleaning and packaging lines in 2026, which will help them build export brands and open new market segments. Source: Kazinform | Date: 2026-01-30 6. Kazakhstan's total meat output reached 1.2 million tonnes in 2025 According to the Agriculture Ministry, in line with the head of state's instruction to double gross agricultural output, Kazakhstan's Agriculture Ministry is systematically advancing livestock development, with several key indicators steadily improving. In recent years the livestock sector has maintained steady growth, now accounting for 40% of gross agricultural output. Driven by state support, livestock numbers keep rising, output of animal products grows steadily, modern technology is continuously introduced, and sector efficiency and competitiveness have clearly strengthened. Data show that in 2025 the gross output of animal husbandry grew 3.3% year on year to 3.8 trillion tenge (3.3 trillion tenge in 2024). Cattle numbers rose to 8.2 million head (+2.4%), sheep and goats reached 20.6 million (+1.6%), horses 4.6 million (+5.6%), camels 294,000 (+4.8%), and poultry rose to 48.6 million (+6.9%). Total meat output grew 2.7% to 1.2 million tonnes (1.1686 million tonnes in 2024). Milk output grew 5% from 3.6 million to 3.8 million tonnes; egg output rose 2.4% to 4.6 billion eggs (4.4615 billion in 2024). Kazakhstan has now achieved full self-sufficiency in beef, lamb, horse meat and table eggs, and is actively expanding export potential. In the first 11 months of 2025, meat exports grew 24.8% to 91,300 tonnes (73,100 tonnes in 2024). Within that, beef exports rose 59.1% to 31,300 tonnes and lamb exports rose 92.8% to 29,400 tonnes. In dairy, a preferential loan programme for dairy-farm construction at 2.5% annual interest has been in place since 2023; the number of modern dairy farms has grown from 19 in 2019 to over 100, with combined annual capacity above 500,000 tonnes of milk. Over the next three years, 118 projects are planned, potentially adding 615,000 tonnes of capacity and doubling total milk output. In poultry, import substitution is advanced through new and expanded bird farms; over five years poultry-meat output grew 157%, from 236,500 tonnes in 2020 to 371,700 tonnes in 2025. Three large projects are planned in the next three years, adding 241,300 tonnes of capacity. By 2029, Kazakhstan plans to fully meet domestic demand for dairy and poultry meat from domestic production and create conditions to expand exports. In addition, per the head of state's instruction, Kazakhstan has approved the Comprehensive Livestock Development Programme 2026–2030, introducing new state-support instruments including preferential loans at 5–6% annual interest with guarantees through the Damu development institution, strengthening the breeding system, consolidating the feed base, raising veterinary-safety levels and expanding export markets. The ministry said effective implementation through 2030 will raise cattle to 12 million head, sheep and goats to 28 million, meat output to 1.8 million tonnes, milk to 4.2 million tonnes, and double meat exports to 165,000 tonnes. Source: Kazinform | Date: 2026-02-03 7. Kazakhstan's greenhouse count up 10% year on year As of 1 January 2026, Kazakhstan had 2,319 registered greenhouses, up 10% from the previous year, with a total greenhouse area of 12,100 square metres. By use, greenhouses are mainly for vegetables — 2,159, or 93.1% of the total. The remaining 160 include: 47 flower greenhouses (2.0%), 6 edible-mushroom greenhouses (0.3%), and 107 for other uses (4.6%). By size, greenhouses of up to 10,000 m² account for 90.9%, those of 10,000–50,000 m² for 8.1%, and large greenhouses above 50,000 m² only 1.0%. By type, industrial greenhouses above 5,000 m² account for 23.5% and farmer-type greenhouses of 5,000 m² or less for 76.5%. Industrial greenhouses are concentrated in Turkistan region, Almaty region and Shymkent city, with relatively high production efficiency. By age, 66.3% of greenhouses have been in use less than 10 years, 11–20 years 30.3%, and over 21 years 3.4%. By region, Turkistan region has the most greenhouses at 62.4% of the national total; its greenhouse area is 75.3% of the national total and its output 49.2%. In 2025, national greenhouse vegetable output reached 168,700 tonnes, up 1.1% year on year, driven mainly by expanded cucumber area and added greenhouse area in Q2 2025. Turkistan region, Almaty region, Aktobe region, Pavlodar region and Shymkent city contributed most to national output. Besides tomatoes and cucumbers, greenhouse agriculture also grows perennial crops such as bananas, lemons, strawberries and blueberries, as well as watermelons and melons. In cucumbers, Turkistan region, Shymkent, Almaty region and Pavlodar region lead; in tomatoes, leading regions include Turkistan, Aktobe, Almaty and Pavlodar. Source: Kazinform | Date: 2026-02-03 Kyrgyzstan 1. Kyrgyz Agriculture Ministry: state support for agriculture reaches a new level Kyrgyzstan's Agriculture Ministry reported that since 2025, state support for farmers, agricultural processors and individual entrepreneurs has been raised to a new qualitative level. Previously, preferential loans were offered under only two state programmes; now they cover five: agricultural financing, the agro-industrial-complex credit programme, the agricultural-producers working-capital fund, and the improved-breeding and seed programmes. In 2025, total funding allocated for these programmes was 12.242 billion som, of which 11.369 billion som was actually disbursed — an execution rate of 92.8%. Within this, the "Agricultural Financing" programme hit 100% execution and "Agro-Industrial Complex Credit" reached a record 166%. In addition, 12 large investment projects are being implemented under the state investment programme. Of the revised budget of 9.707 billion som, 6.502 billion has been used (67%). On capital investment, of a budget of 3.348 billion som, 2.162 billion was used (64.6%). Source: Kabar | Date: 2026-01-12 2. From sugar to meat: Kyrgyzstan's food self-sufficiency strengthened over six years In recent years Kyrgyzstan's dependence on food imports has kept falling, output of major farm products has grown steadily, and self-sufficiency in several categories has clearly improved. According to the Agriculture Ministry, in 2025 Kyrgyzstan achieved self-sufficiency or surplus in six of nine basic food categories: vegetables and melons; potatoes; milk; meat; sugar; and eggs. The three categories still dependent on imports are: grain products (flour, etc.); vegetable oil; and fruit and berries. The report shows food self-sufficiency strengthened markedly over six years: milk from 112% (2020) to 127.3% (2025); meat from 63.6% to 85.7%; sugar from 15% to 82.1%; eggs from 56.4% to 79.8%; vegetable oil from 34% to 51.7%; and fruit and berries from 15% to 51.4%. The agriculture sector stressed that continuously expanding domestic agricultural production and processing capacity remains a key direction of the national agricultural policy and food-security strategy. Source: Kabar (Kyrgyzstan National News Agency) | Date: 2026-02-05 3. Kyrgyzstan's yak herd exceeds 61,650 head According to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry, against the backdrop of climate change, yak farming is regarded as one of the most promising directions in Kyrgyzstan's agriculture. Ministry data show the national yak herd now stands at 61,650 head. Yaks are mainly distributed in Naryn, Issyk-Kul and Osh regions, which have high-mountain pastures and ecosystems suited to them. Yaks graze year-round and are extremely cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures down to −40°C. They are used for meat, milk and fibre and maintain stable production performance at high altitude. The ministry noted that amid climate change and pasture degradation, the importance of yak farming is growing. Yaks can survive, reproduce and provide animal products at altitudes of 2,000–4,500 metres — areas generally unsuitable for ordinary livestock. With high adaptability to cold, drought and poor pasture, yak farming is seen as an effective response to climate-change challenges such as seasonal mismatch, reduced precipitation and drought. Meanwhile, developing remote high-mountain pastures helps relieve pressure on village-adjacent rangelands. Researchers from the Kyrgyz National Academy of Sciences, together with the Livestock and Pasture Research Institute, have formed a working group on white-yak selection, working at the Tong district of Issyk-Kul region and the Akmatov "Zaychik" farm, to study white yaks and promote their recognition as an independent breed group. Since 2003, Tong-district farmer Batyrbek Akmatov and Naryn-district farmer Tashtanbek Akmatov have continuously worked on white-yak selection with positive results. In 2025, at the "Agricultural Dialogue-2025" forum, Batyrbek Akmatov was named white-yak farming champion. The ministry stressed it will continue to develop yak farming, strengthen research support, improve selection programmes and provide ongoing support to farmers. Source: Kabar | Date: 2026-02-06 4. Kyrgyzstan's 2025 agricultural output reaches 459.7 billion som In 2025 Kyrgyzstan's gross agricultural output was 459.7 billion som, a real growth rate of 102.2% versus 2024. Choro Sheitov, first deputy minister of the Economy and Commerce Ministry, reported these figures at a collegium meeting of the ministry. Cabinet Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry Bakyt Torobayev attended. Sheitov said the growth in gross output of agriculture, forestry and fisheries versus 2024 was mainly driven by a 4.0% increase in livestock output, while crop output rose only 0.2%. In livestock, compared with 2024, slaughter of livestock and poultry (live weight) rose 3.6%, milk output 3.2%, eggs 18.7%, and wool 1.4%. The country produced 1.8815 million tonnes of milk (+57,700 t), 938.4 million eggs (+148.1 million), and 13,300 tonnes of wool (+177 t). In crop farming, the total sown area in the 2025 harvest year was 1,245,600 hectares, down 0.1% from 2024. Grain-crop harvested area was 605,900 hectares. The decline in yield was mainly linked to irrigation-water shortages — spring and summer were markedly drier than the previous year. It should be noted that in 2025 the state continued to increase support for agriculture; preliminary data show actual funding exceeded 11 billion som. Financing for agricultural, processing enterprises and individual entrepreneurs was implemented through five state programmes: "Agricultural Financing," "Agro-Industrial Complex Credit Support," "Joint Commodity Producers Financing," "Improved-Breed Livestock Development" and "Seed and Nursery Development." Agriculture's contribution to GDP was 0.19 percentage points, with the sector's share in GDP structure reaching 8.0%. Source: Kabar | Date: 2026-02-10 Uzbekistan 1. Uzbekistan–Italy: exploring prospects for agricultural cooperation A hybrid online-offline event titled "Country Presentation — Uzbekistan" was held at the Chamber of Deputies in Rome, Italy. According to the Uzbek government portal, the meeting focused on the country's investment potential, ongoing economic reforms and further expansion of trade and economic cooperation with Italy. Uzbek Agriculture Minister Ibrohim Abdurakhmanov joined via video conference. The event was opened by Italian Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, who affirmed bilateral cooperation in agriculture, economy and education. Subsequently, Minister Abdurakhmanov detailed Uzbekistan's bilateral economic and institutional reforms, especially the systematic reforms underway in agriculture. In recent years the agricultural sector has grown at an average annual rate of 4%. Last year agricultural exports reached US$3.2 billion, to 83 countries. The roundtable explored prospects for cooperation on a range of projects based on mutual trust and benefit, and stressed the continued development of agricultural cooperation. The meeting also noted that, under educational cooperation, Italy's University of Tuscia has opened a branch in Samarkand. It also highlighted the upcoming "Italy–Central Asia–Azerbaijan" international forum on 23–24 March in Tashkent as a priority, expected to foster a sustainable agricultural ecosystem based on innovation, regenerative agriculture and digital technology, and create new investment opportunities for Italian business. Source: UzA | Date: 2026-01-14 2. Uzbekistan lemon exports up 25% According to the State Statistics Committee, in January–November 2025 Uzbekistan exported 3,800 tonnes of lemons worth US$5.4 million to 11 countries. Compared with the same period last year, export volume increased by 764 tonnes, or 25%. Main export destinations (by volume) were: Kazakhstan — 1,827 t; Russia — 1,740 t; Kyrgyzstan — 236.5 t; Belarus — 4.7 t; United Arab Emirates — 3.8 t; and other countries — 3.9 t. Source: UzA | Date: 2026-01-19 3. Uzbekistan's 2025 GDP reaches US$147 billion According to preliminary data from Uzbekistan's State Statistics Committee, at current prices 2025 GDP was 1,850 trillion soum (about US$147 billion), up 7.7% in real terms; per-capita GDP was 48.8 million soum (US$3,882), up 5.7%. Uzbekistan's economic growth was mainly driven by vigorous development of key sectors, with value added accounting for 95.6% of growth (contributing 7.4 percentage points) and net product taxes 4.4% (contributing 0.3 points). By sector, agricultural value added was 387.9 trillion soum (US$30.86 billion), industry 472.7 trillion soum (US$37.55 billion), construction 129.2 trillion soum (US$10.28 billion), and services 859.9 trillion soum (US$68.3 billion). Unobserved economy (household and individual activities and the informal sector) value added was 498 trillion soum (US$39.62 billion), 26.9% of GDP. Source: PRC Embassy in Uzbekistan (Economic & Commercial Office) | Date: 2026-01-30 4. Uzbekistan's 2025 inflation at 7.3% Uzbekistan's Spot reported on 5 January, citing the State Statistics Committee, that Uzbekistan's 2025 inflation rate was 7.3%, the lowest in nearly nine years. The average monthly inflation rate for the year was 0.6%, down from 0.8% in 2024. Food prices rose 5.5% on average for the year, with milk +5.7%, cottonseed oil +17.7%, sunflower oil +12.7%; boneless beef, bone-in beef and lamb rose 25%, 23.9% and 26.8% respectively; fruit and vegetables rose sharply, with cucumbers +16%, cabbage +31.8%, carrots +10.8%, and citrus +33.6%. Meanwhile, egg prices fell 14.5%, rice 16.6%, and sweet pepper 14.9%. Service prices rose 13.9% for the year. Utility charges rose 17.1% on average, with piped gas +39.2%, cold-water supply and sewage +35.1%, waste collection +32.5%, LPG +25%, electricity +18.8%, and hot-water supply and heating +11.9% and +11.5%; housing maintenance and repair materials +5.4%. On energy, petrol rose 11.9% on average, methane +29.9%, and propane −10.5%. Transport and other services also rose: train fares +10.1%, bus fares +21.1%, air fares +21.7%; mobile-communications service prices +15.1%, bank-service fees +6.9%, while remittance-service fees fell 6.1%. Source: PRC Embassy in Uzbekistan (Economic & Commercial Office) | Date: 2026-01-30 5. Fruit and vegetable exports hit a record high Agriculture is one of the most important sectors of Uzbekistan's economy. Especially in fruit-and-vegetable production and export, a series of reforms in recent years has expanded access to international markets. Thanks to improved local-product quality and competitiveness, demand for Uzbek fruits and vegetables in international markets is rising. In this regard, the export indicators achieved in 2025 once again strongly demonstrate the country's agricultural potential. According to the State Statistics Committee, last year Uzbekistan exported 2.2 million tonnes of fruit-and-vegetable products worth US$2.1 billion. This was up 36.9% year on year, accounting for 6.3% of total exports. Exports comprised: fruit and berries 628,500 t; vegetables 582,500 t; watermelons and melons 233,600 t; mushrooms 148,200 t; peanuts and nuts 29,300 t; and other products 540,500 t. These results show that international demand for Uzbek agricultural products is steadily growing. Experts note the increase in exports has benefited from agricultural reforms, improved logistics capacity and higher product quality. Uzbekistan's position in the international fruit-and-vegetable export market is thus further consolidated. Source: UzA | Date: 2026-02-02 Tajikistan 1. Tajikistan's 2025 cotton exports decline According to the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies, due to a sharp drop in global cotton prices, in 2025 Tajikistan's raw-cotton exports exceeded 93,000 tonnes, down 77,000 tonnes from 2024. In 2025 Tajikistan's textile industry output reached 4.8 billion somoni (about US$520 million), up 14.4%. A ministry official said Tajikistan produces about 130,000 tonnes of raw cotton a year, but only 28% is processed domestically. Source: PRC Embassy in Tajikistan (Economic & Commercial Office) | Date: 2026-01-16 2. Tajikistan and India expand cooperation in energy and water resources Tajikistan's Minister of Energy and Water Resources Daler Juma and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Tajikistan Rajesh Vimal discussed the current state and prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation in energy and water resources. The talks exchanged views on implementing investment projects in renewable energy. They also discussed strengthening scientific and technical cooperation, expert training, experience exchange, and joint initiatives within regional and international project frameworks. Both sides reaffirmed their willingness to continue constructive dialogue and further develop mutually beneficial cooperation, noting that such meetings are an important factor in strengthening the friendly relations between the two countries. Source: PRC Embassy in Tajikistan (Economic & Commercial Office) | Date: 2026-01-16 3. Tajikistan's 2026 grain planting area projected above 274,000 hectares According to the Agriculture Ministry, in 2026 Tajikistan's grain planting area is projected to exceed 274,000 hectares, with the main grain crops being wheat, barley and maize. Source: PRC Embassy in Tajikistan (Economic & Commercial Office) | Date: 2026-01-16 4. Tajikistan's 2025 GDP to reach 176.9 billion somoni According to Kazinform, Tajikistan's 2025 GDP will reach 176.9 billion somoni. At a Tajik government meeting chaired by President Emomali Rahmon, it was noted that the country's economic growth rate was 8.4%. The inflation rate was 3.5%, down 0.1 percentage point from 2024. Last year budget revenue was 60.3 billion somoni, 7 billion somoni above the planned target. Earlier, President Rahmon instructed the government to step up efforts to achieve strategic goals and ensure economic growth of at least 8% in 2026. Source: Daily Economic News (via Kazinform) | Date: 2026-01-27 5. Over 1.2 million kg of substandard food products found in Tajikistan in 2025 In 2025, Tajikistan identified 1,228,546 kg of substandard food products. According to Khovar, Rakhmonsho Mirzoyon, first deputy chairman of Tajikistan's Agency for Standardization, Metrology, Certification and Trade Supervision, announced this at a press conference. For comparison, in 2024 the total volume of identified substandard products was 111,801 kg. Detected goods included meat products, vegetable oil, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, confectionery, canned food, salt, dried fruit, tea and cocoa, flour, cereals and other products, a considerable portion of which were imported. Notably, in 2025, in connection with the moratorium on inspections of business entities, the agency focused on consultations and explanatory work with manufacturers, sellers and importers. As a result, the agency received appeals from entrepreneurs for the voluntary destruction of expired products. At their request, entrepreneurs transferred 585,635 kg of expired food to the agency's warehouses. Source: Khovar | Date: 2026-02-04 Turkmenistan 1. 2026 crop-zoning scheme by velayat approved To successfully continue agricultural reform, the President of Turkmenistan signed a resolution allocating crops by type according to the soil and climatic conditions of vegetation zones and belts (velayats), and substantially increasing agricultural output through scientific crop rotation and higher yields. In the era of the new revival of the powerful state, the President signed a resolution approving the 2026 crop-zoning scheme by velayat. The Ministry of Agriculture, relevant agencies and regional administrations were instructed to ensure abundant harvests by establishing a scientific crop-rotation system that meets agricultural standards and by widely introducing advanced production methods. Source: TDH (Turkmenistan State News Agency) | Date: 2026-01-20 2. Dashoguz district sericulture an important agricultural sector Although sericulture activity is more intense in spring, the silkworm breeders of Dashoguz district now also have plenty of work. Special attention is paid to ensuring the efficient operation of existing incubators used to activate silkworm eggs — the district has about seventy of them. High yields of healthy silkworms — and ultimately the quality of the silk produced — depend heavily on good care and strict sterility of the incubators. Currently, as part of incubator maintenance, premises are being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected and treated with disinfectants that meet required standards. In addition, inspections are carried out as necessary to ensure the normal operation of ventilation systems and air-conditioning equipment. Experts believe winter is also important for planning the upcoming spring work. Each year, as one of the agricultural sectors of sericulture, the district produces hundreds of tonnes of cocoons that provide valuable raw material for the textile industry. The district's silkworm breeders have successfully combined their rich experience in cocoon production with modern scientific recommendations. One of the key factors in the successful development of sericulture is a strong feed base. The district's mulberry plantations cover thousands of hectares and are replenished with many new saplings each year. Although mulberry trees need no special care in winter, attention is always paid to keeping the plantations clean and protecting root systems from frost. Source: TDH (Turkmenistan State News Agency) | Date: 2026-01-23 3. Dashoguz district aims for a good wheat harvest This year, the widespread emergence of winter-wheat seedlings gives grain growers in Dashoguz region reason to expect a good final result. Currently they are carrying out the necessary agrotechnical measures as part of crop maintenance. Over the years, the high-yielding wheat varieties "Alekseevich" and "Bezostaya-100" have taken an increasing share of the sown area. In recent years these varieties have performed well under local conditions. Before large-scale production, they were preliminarily tested on experimental plots and showed excellent results on all key parameters. Experts believe these varieties resist lodging and over-ripening, are resistant to many diseases and unstable climatic conditions, are high-yielding and have excellent milling characteristics. Traditionally, the region's main winter-wheat producer is Turkmenbashi wheat, with grain fields covering 30,000 hectares. Other major grain-producing areas include Akdepe, Kunya-Urgench and Shatlyk. To grow this valuable crop successfully, the region has a large fleet of specialised agricultural machinery and many vehicles to ensure timely transport of the harvested crop. In addition, the velayat has three high-capacity flour mills and seven grain elevators. Most mills can receive up to 50,000 tonnes of grain at a time for storage and cleaning, and can provide sufficient seed material to local grain producers. Source: TDH (Turkmenistan State News Agency) | Date: 2026-02-02