The price of flour in the wholesale markets of Tajikistan has risen by 25-30 somoni over the past two weeks, and in retail the cost of a bag of flour has increased to 50 somoni.
A bag of flour weighing 50 kg today in wholesale outlets in Tajikistan is sold from 270 to 320 somoni, depending on the variety.
Last year, the price of a 50-kilogram bag of flour was 360 -380 somoni. However, this year the price has dropped to 230 somoni. And from September the price began to rise again.
Tajik producers say that they have nothing to do with the increase in flour prices.
epresentatives of companies that supply flour to the republican market say the main factor in rising flour prices in the country is the rising prices for wheat in exporting countries.
The price of 1 ton of wheat in September of this year was $350, previously it was around $260.
And the reason for the sharp increase in wheat prices in Kazakhstan, from where almost all wheat and flour comes to Tajikistan, is associated with weather conditions, under which part of the harvest was lost. This forced Kazakhstani producers to increase prices.
In addition, the wheat harvest in this country was destroyed on a colossal scale by saigas. The number of these animals, which are protected by the state, has reached 2 million individuals.
According to farmers in West Kazakhstan, Aktobe, Kostanay, Karaganda and Akmola regions, animals trample and eat crops, causing agricultural producers to suffer colossal losses.
No reason to worry
According to responsible officials and experts from food security structures in Tajikistan, there is no cause for concern.
According to them, despite a slight increase in prices, a shortage of wheat and flour is not expected in Tajikistan.
According to customs statistics of the republic, over 8 months of 2023, 596.3 thousand tons of wheat worth $163.4 million were imported into the republic at an average price of $274 per ton.
To provide for the population, Tajikistan also uses its own capabilities. In the republic this year, the harvest of 975 thousand tons of wheat is predicted.
To date, in the republic in all categories of farms, the wheat harvest amounted to 817.2 thousand tons, which is 8.4% less compared to the same period in 2022.
Over the eight months of 2023, 26.7 thousand tons of flour worth $86.6 million were imported into the republic at an average price of $324 per ton.
Source: Asia Plus TJ
