The health of the nation is an invaluable asset, without which it is impossible to envision the strength and prosperity of the state. Healthy nutrition is intrinsically linked to the well-being of every individual, and the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan continuously undertakes necessary measures to promote public health and improve the quality of life of the population.
On June 4, 2026, with the support of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, the State Institution “Agriculture Entrepreneurship Development”, in cooperation with the Tajikstandard Agency under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the State Subsidiary Enterprise “Food Products Fortification Revolving Fund of Tajikistan,” organized a roundtable discussion entitled “Provision of the Population with Fortified Flour and Salt Products” at the Training Center of the National Bank of Tajikistan in Guliston City.
The event was attended by Mr. Boymurod Kurbonzoda, Deputy Director of the State Institution “Agriculture Entrepreneurship Development”; Ms. Malohat Rustamzoda, Deputy Director of the Tajikstandard Agency; Mr. Anvar Yaqubi, Deputy Chairman of Sughd Region; managers of flour and salt production enterprises; specialists from the Tajikstandard Agency; representatives of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan; and other development partners.
Opening the event, Ms. Malohat Rustamzoda, Deputy Director of the Tajikstandard Agency, emphasized that the primary objective of the roundtable was to raise public awareness of the importance of healthy nutrition, prevent malnutrition, and contribute to improving public health.
Mr. Anvar Yaqubi, Deputy Chairman of Sughd Region, expressed his appreciation to the organizers and noted that human health is closely linked to proper and balanced nutrition. In today's world, deficiencies of vitamins and minerals (micronutrients), including iron, iodine, folic acid, and other essential elements, are recognized as serious public health challenges. Referring to a number of facts and observations, he highlighted that malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies can lead to reduced cognitive abilities, weakened immunity, increased susceptibility to various diseases, and lower work productivity.
Subsequently, Mr. Boymurod Kurbonzoda, Deputy Director of the Institution, addressed the participants and stressed that the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan consistently demonstrates strong commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring food security through the adoption and implementation of a range of state programs. He noted that the State Institution “Agriculture Entrepreneurship Development,” within the framework of Subcomponent 3.4 of the Strengthening Resilience of the Agriculture Sector Project, has established effective cooperation with relevant ministries and agencies to support the implementation of these initiatives.
During the roundtable, other speakers also addressed key sectoral issues, including “Regulatory and Legal Frameworks and Technical Standards Adopted for Food Fortification,” “The Medical Benefits of Food Fortification,” “The Food Products Fortification Revolving Fund of the Republic of Tajikistan,” as well as challenges related to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, inadequate micronutrient intake, and measures to improve the fortification of flour and edible salt. Particular attention was given to strategies aimed at preventing and reducing nutrition-related diseases among the population.
Participants noted that the prevalence of various diseases is primarily associated with unhealthy dietary habits, impaired nutritional balance, malnutrition, and deficiencies of essential micronutrients. They also emphasized that failure to comply with standards, technical regulations, and other normative requirements during the processing, production, storage, transportation, and sale of food products contributes significantly to public health risks. It was stressed that adherence to legal requirements and technical standards is essential for ensuring consumer safety and health, as well as for protecting the environment, since healthy nutrition is the foundation of a healthy society.