Domestic rice production has reached a record level, but Tajikistan still imports thousands of tons of the staple crop each year.

The area planted with rice in Tajikistan has approached 15,000 hectares, while production has risen to its highest level on record. Despite having one of the world’s highest rice yields, the country has yet to fully meet domestic demand and continues to import significant volumes.

As of the end of June 2026, rice had been planted on 14,777 hectares across all categories of farms, according to the press service of Tajikistan’s Ministry of Agriculture.

The ministry said 13 varieties of rice are grown in the country.

Experts estimate annual rice consumption in Tajikistan at between 12 and 15 kilograms per person.

Rice in Tajikistan is grown in specially prepared paddies surrounded by earthen embankments that retain water. Depending on the variety and growing conditions, the crop generally matures within 100 to 120 days.

Farmers also use the seedling transplantation method. According to agricultural scientists, this approach reduces water consumption and shortens the cultivation period.

Rice varieties grown in different parts of Tajikistan include Devzira, Yubileiny, Avangard, Kenja, Oqpar, Isfarinsky, Lux, Tashkentsky and Laser.

Production reaches record level

International data indicate that rice production in Tajikistan has continued to grow.

According to FAOSTAT figures published by Our World in Data, the country produced around 164,000 tons of paddy rice in 2024 and more than 175,000 tons in 2025.

The 2025 figure was the highest recorded since 1992.