Today, we’d like to talk with Sabohatullo Muzaffarov PEM CONSULT agricultural expert, who will share with us his experience on agribusiness opportunities in Tajikistan. This information may provide you the ideas for initiating your business ideas in the agricultural area
Mr. Muzaffarov, can you please tell our readers the information about your working experience?
I have more than 15 years of experience in the implementation of agricultural projects in low and middle-income countries, like Tajikistan and Afghanistan. I’m a specialist in the field of innovative agribusiness with extensive experience of work in value chain projects in multiple agricultural organizations.
What business innovative ideas in the field of agribusiness have been implemented in Tajikistan to date?
Even though the Republic of Tajikistan has turned into industrialization of the country, agriculture still accounts for the key part of the gross domestic product of Tajikistan. The share of agriculture in the gross agricultural output of Tajikistan consists of more than 25%. In the previous years, agricultural products were taken to market in a fresh form not paying attention to presenting the produce. However, in recent years, entrepreneurs have started development and improvements in aspects of the value chain, like processing, storage, packaging, and export of agricultural products.
Growing new varieties of vegetables meeting the market requirements, including red onion, different types of cabbage, strawberry and tomato in the greenhouse
Currently, several different agribusiness ideas are implemented by entrepreneurs.For example, the introduction of different types of high-quality seeds to meet market requirements, the use of different biological fertilizers that have a less negative impact on product quality and the environment, the introduction of different varieties to market requirements according to fruit trees, new technologies and agricultural machinery.
There is also an increasing number of modern greenhouses with drip irrigation, polycarbonate roofs, and automatic ventilation. Import of more economical, yet more powerful machines, storage of fruits and vegetables in a gaseous environment, use of various containers, such as Euroboxes (boxes with European standards), production of new types of canned food, dairy products, dried fruits, in an airtight environment (vacuum packing) are the examples of processing and storage of agricultural products. For example, with the support provided by developing partners, ongoing agricultural projects continue production of several types of cheese, dairy products, drying and packaging of fruits (dates), cold drink from hawthorn, cardboard boxes for collection and transportation of agricultural products. A lot of work is being done in Tajikistan on certification, labeling, packaging, and establishment of logistics centers in Tajikistan that improves the process of export of agricultural products.
Is there an investors or donors in Tajikistan that can supporter in implementation of innovative ideas in agribusiness?
Many projects such as Towards Rural Inclusive Growth and Economic Resilience (TRIGGER) II project funded by GIZ and implemented by PEM CONSULT, USAID project on Competitiveness, Trade and Jobs in Central Asia (USAID CTJ), Agribusiness Competitiveness Activity in Tajikistan (USAID ACAT), Aga Khan Foundation, International Finance Corporation (IFC), World Bank and Asian Development Bank, local lending institutions, and others in Tajikistan are helping to support innovative ideas in the field of agribusiness. Besides, a state institution named State Institution of Support and Development of Entrepreneurship was opened in Dushanbe 2020 and in regional centers to help new businesses (start-up) with special focus to women and youth.Drying persimmon in the household conditions.Greenhouse equipped with the automatic temperature control
What kind of advice /consultation do you think Tajik agribusiness needs the most innovative ideas?
First of all, it is necessary to study the market and to know what kind of products or services the customers need. Business requires exact calculation and any business idea have to have a business plan since if the business started without prediction and plan can lead to bankruptcy. Since some of the materials and equipment for most innovative ideas are produced outside Tajikistan, and buyers are often found online, it would be good to teach business owners computer programs for using the Internet in business. Especially, in current days when COVID-19 has spread all over the world and most organizations offer their consulting, training and webinars, and trade revises using online platforms. After starting a business, having training in accounting, marketing, product certification, packaging, and labeling are also important.
This was short, but very valuable information from our expert for new business ideas in the field of agribusiness. You always can send us your questions and get answers to developing your business ideas.
Photos: Archive of Sabohatullo Muzaffarov[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]