Value Chains research report Tajikistan final - Microfinance Centre

This is explained by difference in climate and terrain, as well as usage and training on
new practices, skills and knowledge for beekeepers. Besides, the average yield per bee
family in Sughd Region was more than 61 kg in Sughd Region, reaching over 100 kg for
the most advanced beekeepers. These results work as the best advertisement for the
industry, making it attractive for investment and lending.
Table 51. The productivity of one beehives in Tajikistan, kg
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Tajikistan 23,5 17,7 16,6 15,3 19,3 16,4
Sughd region 14,8 14,3 13,9 17,3 20,2 17,5
Khatlon Region 10,3 61,5 36,0 32,6 49,5 23,3
DNJ 9,0 9,8 10,7 11,9 12,1 13,0
Sources: State Statistic Agency Tajikistan.
The average yield of 61.5 kg a year per bee family, as obtained by beekeepers in
Sughd Region, is a good benchmark for all players, and if Tajikistan can reach these
average figures, then we will be able to improve return on investment.
According to the official statistics, almost 3000 tons of honeys were harvested in
Tajikistan as of the end of 2010; most of this amount was consumed in the domestic
market. This means about 400 g for each resident of the country a year. This figure is
much higher in other countries, measured in kilograms.
The main type of honey harvested in Tajikistan is cotton honey. The yield per bee
colony depends on a number of factors, the main of which is the experience of the
beekeeper; other important factors include climate changes in various areas, frequency
of moving between various locations, feeding the bees, and the financial position of the
beekeepers (which affects their mobility). During the research beekeepers noted that
the yield is getting worse year after year. Some of the reasons mentioned were as
follows:
• Reduced cotton sowing area;
• The quality and yield of cotton in Tajikistan is declining. The impact of this crop
on bee production is substantial, as it is the main crop for producing honey. Low
cotton prices, lack of farmer interest, problems with supply of high-quality seeds
and fertilizers, availability of water and machinery, as well as lack of agricultural
technology, strongly impact the quality of fields and cotton yield;
• Dry spring in mountainous, piedmont and steppe zones;
• Bee diseases:
Foulbrood – infection of bee larvae;
Nosematosis – protozoal parasite developing in bee stomachs;
Varroatosis – tick affecting larvae and adult bees;
Diarrhea.
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