Watermelons and melons market in Tajikistan

Earlier Report Observations

The watermelon and melon market in Tajikistan expanded significantly from 2018 to 2019, with production rising from 641.8 thousand tons to 701.3 thousand tons. This growth was supported by farmers adopting new imported varieties, such as the Dutch 'Zakat' watermelon, which improved product quality and stimulated greater interest in cultivation. However, in 2020, production fell to 658.1 thousand tons as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global trade and logistics, affecting export channels.

After the pandemic, production gradually recovered, reaching 675.5 thousand tons by 2022. The market showed resilience despite the absence of major disruptive events during these years. In 2023, output stabilized at 666.9 thousand tons; that year, first-half production was up 5.4% year-on-year, but higher transport costs put pressure on prices and market accessibility. Tajikistan also imported watermelons from Kazakhstan to meet domestic demand.

In 2024, industry development continued with events like the watermelon, melon, and pumpkin festival promoting traditional cultivation and knowledge sharing. Plans to boost fruit exports, including melons, to 30 thousand tons by 2025 signaled ongoing investment. Price fluctuations due to seasonal supply and consumer preferences remained a feature of the market.

Production watermelons and melons in Tajikistan

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Tajikistan ranked 21st globally in the production of watermelons and melons.

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

World map of production of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, Tajikistan's production of watermelons and melons declined. In 2020, the country produced 658.1 thousand tons, which was 6.1% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 4.2%, averaging an annual growth rate of 1.4%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 701.3 thousand tons, with the largest annual increase of 9.3% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Tajikistan in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports watermelons and melons from Tajikistan

Exports in kind, t

The export market for watermelons and melons showed significant fluctuations during this period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020, while the highest was in 2017, with a 6.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Tajikistan exported 96.1 tons, marking a 41.0% decline compared to 2019. The largest decrease occurred in 2018 at 76.9%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 13.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Tajikistan in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan were the primary destinations for Tajikistan's exports of watermelons and melons in volume terms, together accounting for 81.2% of total exports. Other partners contributed much smaller shares individually.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Tajikistan in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Exports of watermelons and melons from Tajikistan in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value totaled 15.4 thousand US dollars, representing a 56.2% year-over-year decrease. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 89.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -53.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Tajikistan in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan dominated as the main destinations for Tajikistan's exports of watermelons and melons in value terms, jointly making up 83.5% of total export flows. The remaining value was distributed among smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Tajikistan in value, 2017-2020

Imports watermelons and melons to Tajikistan

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes for watermelons and melons were volatile during these years. The lowest import level was in 2017, while the highest was in 2018, with a 5.6-fold gap between them. In 2020, Tajikistan imported 538.7 tons, showing a 49.6% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 40.3%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 461.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Tajikistan in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017-2020, Uzbekistan and Pakistan were the key sources for Tajikistan's imports of watermelons and melons in volume terms, with other markets playing a minor role individually.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Tajikistan in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market for watermelons and melons in value terms experienced irregular changes, indicating volatility. The minimum import value was in 2017, and the maximum was in 2018, with a 5.6-fold variation. In 2020, imports were recorded at 139.4 thousand US dollars, a 17.6% increase from 2019. The largest decrease was in 2019 at 46.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 460.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Tajikistan in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Kazakhstan were the central markets for Tajikistan's imports of watermelons and melons in value terms, collectively accounting for 98.9% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Tajikistan in value, 2017-2020