Organic Agriculture in Tajikistan Sets a Benchmark for Environmental Sustainability
Tajikistan has emerged as a leader in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) for organic farming, establishing a benchmark for environmental sustainability in the region. Agricultural products grown in Tajikistan are considered the cleanest from an environmental perspective among CIS countries, according to a report by freshplaza.
Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reveals that 1.4% of Tajikistan’s arable land is dedicated to organic farming, the highest percentage among CIS countries. This commitment to organic agriculture is closely followed by Moldova at 1.3%. Other CIS countries lag significantly behind, with Azerbaijan at 0.8%, Ukraine at 0.6%, Kyrgyzstan at 0.3%, Georgia at 0.2%, and both Russia and Belarus at 0.1%. Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Uzbekistan dedicate even smaller portions of their arable land to organic farming, with 0.05%, 0.04%, and 0.01% respectively.
The growth of organic farming in Tajikistan is remarkable, increasing from a mere 0.07% of arable land in 2008 to 1.4% in 2023. The main organic crops include apricots, peanuts, tomatoes, corn, among others. These crops are cultivated using organic methods that offer substantial environmental benefits. Organic farming in Tajikistan uses 30% less energy on average, retains more water in the soil, reduces erosion, maintains soil quality, and preserves more biological resources compared to conventional farming practices.
Despite the higher costs associated with products labeled “organic,” consumer demand for healthy, high-quality food products continues to grow. Many consumers are willing to pay a premium for the benefits associated with organic foods, including the reduced environmental impact and improved health outcomes.
Tajikistan’s leadership in organic farming serves as an inspiring model for other CIS countries, highlighting the potential for organic agriculture to contribute to environmental sustainability and food security. As the demand for organic products increases, it is expected that more countries will follow Tajikistan’s example, dedicating more land and resources to organic farming practices.
