The Boards of the Ministries of Agriculture of Tajikistan and Russia have held a joint meeting to discuss key issues in the agro-industrial complex (AIC) of both countries.  The agenda included agricultural trade, cooperation in breeding and veterinary control, and improvements in land reclamation and irrigation systems.

The meeting, which took place via videoconference, was chaired by Qurbon Hakimzoda (Tajikistan) and Oksana Lut (Russia).

Growth in trade

A two-way trade between Tajikistan and Russia continues to grow.  In 2024, the volume of mutual agricultural supplies reached US$430 million, marking a 5% increase compared to the previous year.

Tajikistan exports to Russia included fruits, vegetables, nuts, dried fruits, and cotton and its imports from Russia included grain, vegetable oils, sugar, meat, and dairy products.

The meeting covered simplifying customs procedures, improving logistics, and expanding the range of supplied products.  

New areas of cooperation include exporting elite seeds and expanding Tajik fish exports to Russia and importing sugar beet and fodder beet seeds to boost production into Tajikistan.

Scientific and educational cooperation

A major topic of discussion was expanding educational programs and scientific research in the agricultural sector.  Currently, around 2,900 Tajik students are studying at Russian agricultural universities.

Future plans include increasing educational quotas for Tajik students, developing joint academic programs and implementing dual-degree systems, organizing internships for young specialists and training programs for university instructors, and innovations in Genetics and Strengthened Phytosanitary Control

Both countries expressed readiness to deepen cooperation in crop breeding and animal genetics.

Russia invited Tajikistan to participate in programs for poultry breeding and the embryo transfer of small ruminants.

The two sides are also working on developing seed production for grain legumes and oilseeds, which will help adapt agriculture to climate change.

To ensure high-quality agricultural products, veterinary and phytosanitary control cooperation was highlighted.  Developing unified standards will help reduce risks and simplify export procedures, which is especially important as trade volumes grow.

Future prospects

At the conclusion of the meeting, both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening agricultural cooperation.  They noted that the agreements reached provide a strong foundation for the future development of the agro-industrial sector, including introducing advanced technologies and expanding investment opportunities.

Russian Minister Oksana Lut emphasized Russia’s readiness to support initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural efficiency, while Qurbon Hakimzoda expressed confidence that cooperation will help both countries overcome challenges and create favorable conditions for sector growth.