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History shows that the Tajik people, as a nation that creates culture and civilization, have preserved their national identity over centuries not only through respect for science and enlightenment, but also through the formation and development of their own traditions, rituals, and customs. The Tajik people have managed to preserve national holidays and their social significance from ancient times to the present day and pass them on to future generations. The revival of the best examples of ancestral traditions and customs during the years of independence has acquired special importance on the world stage. Gradually, folk festivals and rituals are being revived and presented to the peoples of the world. In recent years, the best examples of tangible and intangible national cultural heritage have developed across all regions of the country and contribute to the spiritual progress of society.
It is especially encouraging for the people of the country, particularly for farmers, that the creative initiatives of the Founder of Peace and National Unity — the Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon — are unanimously recognized by authoritative international organizations. In particular, by decisions of the United Nations, the Navruz holiday was included in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009, the Sada festival in 2023, and the Mehrgon festival in 2024. In addition, in 2025 the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) included the “Hissar sheep breed” and the “Toifi pink grape variety” from the Almosi Valley into the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). The Republic of Tajikistan has become the first country in Central Asia whose agricultural products have been recognized under the GIAHS system, and the Almosi Valley, the Hissar sheep breed, and the Toifi grape variety are presented internationally as national agricultural heritage of Tajikistan.
Thanks to the initiative and forward-looking policy of the Leader of the Nation, Emomali Rahmon, the ancient agricultural festivals — Sada, Navruz, Tirgon, and Mehrgon — have been revived and are now celebrated throughout the country through cultural and agricultural events. These festivals play an important role in promoting and presenting the rich national culture. Since ancient times, traditional national festivals have reflected various stages of ancestral labor activities and have contributed significantly to strengthening morality, national consciousness, and identity. Sada, Navruz, Tirgon, and Mehrgon call on people to purity, honesty, good intentions, patriotism, friendship, and mutual understanding. During these days, farmers pay special attention to cleaning irrigation canals, preparing land and seeds, caring for livestock, and preparing for the new agricultural season. Sada is associated with winter and the element of fire, Navruz with spring and earth, Tirgon with summer and water, and Mehrgon with autumn and celestial light. These festivals are connected with the four sacred elements and reflect the deep worldview of ancestors.
In his congratulatory message on the occasion of the Sada festival in 2025, the Founder of Peace and National Unity — the Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, noted: “The Sada festival, from ancient times to the present day, has come down along with a number of rituals, traditions, customs, and beliefs. Their essence lies in the victory of joy over sorrow, warmth over cold, light over darkness, and good over evil, and the main symbol of this festival is the blazing fire.” Since its origin, the Sada festival has had important socio-economic significance, contributing to preparations for spring sowing and obtaining a rich harvest. Therefore, farmers highly honor this ancient festival. During these days, farmers prepare quality seeds and seedlings, carry out irrigation, clean canals, care for trees, and perform other necessary agricultural activities, creating a solid foundation for spring sowing and a rich harvest.
Agriculture is one of the most important sectors of the national economy, and its sustainable development is one of the strategic priorities of the wise policy of the Founder of Peace and National Unity — the Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon. This sector plays a key role in ensuring food security, improving the economic well-being of the population, and supporting the sustainable development of other sectors. The complex conditions of the modern world, including global economic changes, disrupted supply chains, population growth, and climate change and its negative consequences such as drought and water scarcity, require increased attention to agricultural development, increased production, and the development of agro-industrial complexes. These measures are the main path to ensuring national food security. Agricultural development, efficient use of water and land resources, obtaining two to three harvests per year, and the introduction of innovative farming systems contribute to job creation, improved competitiveness, the development of processing and storage facilities, market supply, and sustainable development of other sectors.
The celebration of Sada, Navruz, Tirgon, and Mehrgon also serves to demonstrate the achievements of the agricultural sector. Within these festivals, achievements in horticulture, viticulture, nursery farming, vegetable growing, livestock breeding, and seed production are presented, along with agricultural products, modern machinery, and equipment. At the same time, consultations and recommendations from scientists and specialists are provided, exhibitions of literature and scientific materials are organized, agricultural knowledge is disseminated among farmers, and fairs and sales of agricultural products are held. The main purpose of these festivals is to preserve and develop ancient agricultural traditions, educate the younger generation in respect for them, study and honor the ancient culture of ancestors, and preserve the sacred heritage of the past in independent Tajikistan.
Hardworking farmers of our country, in order to ensure food supply to domestic markets, sowed agricultural crops on 843.6 thousand hectares in 2025. This included 375.7 thousand hectares of grain crops, 198.2 thousand hectares of industrial crops, 64.3 thousand hectares of potatoes, 69.7 thousand hectares of vegetables, 158 hectares of seed vegetables, 23.2 thousand hectares of melons, and 112.4 thousand hectares of fodder crops.
Despite climatic factors and the global crisis, thanks to the effective implementation of state programs and continuous government support, agriculture has become a reliable foundation of food security and an important factor in improving living standards. According to data, total agricultural production in 2025 reached 84.7 billion somoni, which is 9.5% higher than the previous year. During this period, farmers produced 1,740.5 thousand tons of grain, 392 thousand tons of cotton, 1,332.5 thousand tons of potatoes, 3,377.9 thousand tons of vegetables, 1,254.4 thousand tons of melons, 954.3 thousand tons of fruit, 346.1 thousand tons of grapes, 454.3 thousand tons of meat, 1,206.7 thousand tons of milk, 1,419.3 million eggs, and other essential products, ensuring domestic market supply.
In addition to domestic supply, 190,508 tons of agricultural products worth 79.2 million USD were exported. This figure increased by 13.5% in volume (22,683 tons) and by 39.7% in value (22.5 million USD) compared to the same period last year.
We, farmers, together with the continuous support and care of the Founder of Peace and National Unity — the Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, must continue to fulfill production targets and ensure food security of our beloved country through diligent and dedicated work.
Loik Tuychizoda
Head of the Press and Information Department
Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Tajikistan
