Tajikistan witnesses the onset of its early cherry harvest, with farmers noting a robust yield of large fruits. Current prices at local bazaars range from approximately US$1.10 to US$1.80 per kilogram, a reduction of about US$0.30 to US$0.45 compared to last year.
Harvest activities are concentrated in Khatlon province and the Hisor Valley, primary cherry-producing regions. The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) reports that Tajikistan's stone fruit orchards, including cherries, cover over 80,000 hectares.
Bakhtiyor Hafizov, a farmer from Shahrinav district, states, "This year's crop is particularly good. The cherries are large, sweet, and high in quality." Favorable weather and timely treatments contributed to the successful yield.
Farmer Abdullo Nouraliyev highlights storage challenges, stating, "In most cases, wholesalers come directly to the orchards and help with picking and packing. The real problem is storage. Without proper refrigeration, cherries spoil quickly."
Early varieties like "Valovaya" and "Negrityanka" are being harvested, with mid-season and late-season varieties to follow. Despite high fruit quality, export growth is hindered by transportation costs and insufficient refrigerated storage.
Tajikistan aims to increase exports to Russia, Kazakhstan, China, and Europe. In Shahrinav district, cherry orchards cover over 500 hectares, with varieties yielding up to 30 kilograms per tree. Modern varieties enable quicker economic returns, producing fruit two years post-planting.
Cherries face risks from diseases like bacterial canker and powdery mildew, yet modern agro-technologies are being adopted to mitigate these challenges. Enhanced infrastructure and logistics are necessary to maximize the export potential of this crop.
Source: ASIA-Plus