ruit and vegetables are a major source of income for rural households in mountainous Tajikistan – and essential for healthy diets. Fresh produce such as sweet cherries, onions and table grapes make up an important share of the country’s agricultural exports.

The potential to supply domestic retail and export markets remains largely untapped, but with help from FAO and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Tajikistan aims to change that.

Last month, FAO and the EBRD organized three seminars in Tajikistan on strengthening the country’s fresh fruit and vegetable supply chains and broadening market opportunities.

Held in the capital Dushanbe and in the regional hubs of Khujand and Qurghonteppa, the seminars gathered government officials and key players from the country’s fruit and vegetable sector including local producers, traders and retailers. The events were part of a larger joint technical assistance project of FAO and EBRD on improving fresh produce value chains in Tajikistan and Moldova.

Panellists discussed findings from an FAO-EBRD value chain analysis. They shared market knowledge and technical know-how – from more efficient handling, storage and packaging practices, to trends in regional and global trade of fresh produce. Read on here.