Tajik President Emomali Rahmon warned of the likelihood of unprecedented food price increases in 2026 due to global instability and climate change, calling on the population to increase agricultural production to strengthen food security, Ozodi.tj reports.
Speaking on March 30, Rahmon cited "expert analysis" that "recent events in the world," as well as the negative impacts of climate change, pose serious risks to the stability of the food market.
Rahmon emphasized the importance of "the rational use of water and every inch of land," noting that only increasing domestic production will ensure affordable food supplies and reduce dependence on imports.
The Tajik president's statement came amid complaints from farmers about the forced destruction of wheat crops and pressure to switch to cotton cultivation. In January, the Tajik Minister of Agriculture confirmed awareness of such cases in several cities and districts, speaking out against such practices.
Experts note that balancing export-oriented crops such as cotton with domestic food security remains a key challenge for Tajikistan's agricultural policy amid growing external risks.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
April 2, 2026