2018 ASHS Annual Conference

Fruit drying can add value and decrease perishability of various fruits, including apricots. Dried apricots are an established agricultural product in northern Tajikistan (Sughd region), but a relatively new industry for southern Tajikistan (Khatlon region). The north has a more developed supply chain, characterized by established tree varieties, harvesting and drying protocols, and the existence of domestic and export markets. Advancing the dried apricot industry in southern areas is likely to increase income for small-scale farmers and promote economic and social development. We conducted a study to evaluate the market and technological factors involved in the production, harvest, and drying of apricots; as well as the potential barriers to the production of export-grade dried apricots by farmers in the Khatlon province. n June 2017, we conducted a baseline assessment of the apricot supply chain in north and south Tajikistan using surveys to farmers and interviews to apricot buyers, processors, and marketing cooperatives. Our results show that, regardless of the district and gender, southern farmers had lower yields and were less knowledgeable regarding harvesting, drying, and selling practices than their counterparts in the northern production areas. We also found they had fewer years of experience selling dried apricots, and apricots sales represented a lower proportion of the household income, when compared to northern farmers. All southern farmers correctly perceived that quality was the most important factor driving price premiums. Regardless of the gender and district, most farmers perceived they lack the knowledge and technology to produce dried apricots that meet market grade standards for export markets. This study provides a baseline assessment of the apricot supply chain in Tajikistan. Quality of dried apricots is a major barrier to market access and price premiums. Our data showed that fruit quality seems to be correlated with the lack of tree varieties suited for export markets, knowledge of drying technologies, and knowledge of export-grade market standards. The economic viability and livelihood of apricot farmers in Khatlon province could likely be improved by the introduction of adapted apricot varieties, insuring access to appropriate agronomic inputs and practices, strengthening post-harvest and drying knowledge, introducing good food safety practices, and accelerating the farmers’ access to apricot buyers for export and domestic markets. Government, policymakers, researchers, and businesses can use our findings to assist farmers in developing new and maintaining existing market linkages.