“Tojikmatlubot” explained why onion prices have increased

In the past month, the price of onions has tripled.

Photo: Internet

On February 6, during a press conference, the Deputy Chairman of the “Tojikmatlubot” association, Khurshed Rahmonalizoda, explained to journalists that one of the main reasons for the sharp rise in onion prices in Tajikistan’s markets is the low onion harvest last year. This is related to abnormal winter cold and a low sowing volume last year, he reported.

Rahmonalizoda also noted the low volumes of onion imports into the country.

He emphasized that “Tojikmatlubot” has organized points for selling agricultural products in the country’s markets, where one kilogram of onions is sold for 3.5 somoni.

Residents of the country report that today one kilogram of onions in the markets costs about 8-10 somoni. Earlier, the government banned the export of major agricultural products, including onions, until April 2023.

The Deputy Chairman of the “Tojikmatlubot” association, Khurshed Rahmonalizoda, reported that due to severe cold, about 20 percent of agricultural products stored in refrigerated chambers and warehouses have spoiled. According to him, a special headquarters has been formed to determine the exact amount of damage.

In order to implement the resolution of the government of the Republic of Tajikistan “On the timely preparation of the economic and social sectors of the country for regular and effective activities in the autumn-winter period of 2022-2023,” 1625 tons of onions, 680 tons of potatoes, 100 tons of carrots, and 300 tons of fruits, as well as 180 tons of coal, are being stored in the warehouses and refrigerated chambers of the “Tojikmatlubot” association in collaboration with entrepreneurs, Khurshed Rahmonalizoda reported.

According to Rahmonalizoda, in many cases, the stockpiles of products do not bring profit, as the main goal of the stockpiles is to meet the population’s demand and take necessary measures to ensure that products are delivered to the population at prices lower than market prices.

Earlier, the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, repeatedly urged citizens of the country to stock up on food for two years due to the tense and dangerous political and economic situation in the world. These words from Rahmon caused a heated discussion and resonance on social media.

After today’s press conference of the “Tojikmatlubot” association, residents of the country are once again questioning how ordinary citizens should store food supplies for two years if the state is unable to store products for several months.