Tajikistan

Potato cultivation in Tajikistan has significantly expanded since the early 2000s, with production doubling due to its adaptability to the country’s diverse geography and climate. Primarily grown at higher altitudes between 800 and 1,800 meters above sea level, potatoes have become an important crop in Tajikistan’s mountainous terrain, particularly in the Ferghana, Khatlon, Gissar, and Zeravshan valleys. The main potato-producing regions include Sughd Province, the Districts Under Republican Subordination, and Khatlon Province.

Among the most popular potato varieties cultivated in Tajikistan are Picasso, Red Scarlett, and Gala. According to FAO 2023 data,Tajikistan produced 1,144,900 tonnes of potatoes from 56,600 hectares of harvested area, achieving an average yield of 20,227.90 kg/ha.

Potato was introduced to Tajikistan through multiple routes, including formal introductions and informal migrations. One key formal introduction was via British India in the late 18th century, during colonial times, which influenced areas now part of Tajikistan. The potato likely spread further through ongoing informal exchanges.

Under Russian imperial rule starting in the 1860s and continuing through the Soviet era, cotton became the dominant crop in Tajikistan, often replacing food crops like potatoes. However, after Tajikistan’s civil war (1992–1997), potato regained importance as a critical food security crop. Following a decline during the war years, per capita potato production in Tajikistan increased more than fourfold by 2022, making the potato an essential staple and the so-called "second bread" of the country.