The Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population (MoHSPP), in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and under support of the World Bank, is engaged in purchasing micronutrients and vitamins, including iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin A.  These measures are part of a wheat flour fortification program aimed at improving the population's nutritional quality.

This was announced by Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection of the Population, Ms. Zulfiya Abdusamadzoda, at a news conference in Dushanbe on February 10

According to Abdusamadzoda, a deficiency of these micronutrients can lead to premature births, low birth weight, malnourished infants, and a high prevalence of anemia among the population. In response, the country is implementing a multisectoral nutrition improvement plan and the National Communication Program "The First Thousand Days of a Child’s Life in the Republic of Tajikistan."

It is worth noting that back in 2020, Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon ordered the country to begin producing exclusively vitamin-fortified flour within six months. According to the decree, this measure aims to improve the population’s quality of life and overall health.

The primary goal of the program is to prevent diseases caused by micronutrient and vitamin deficiencies, as well as to enhance public health at a national level. Deputy Minister Abdusamadzoda emphasized that fortifying wheat flour is one of the most affordable and effective methods of preventing such conditions since flour is a staple food for all segments of the population.

Why has the initiative not been implemented yet?

A MoHSPP explained that the process is still in the development and approval stage.

However, according to the minister, the distribution of imported fortified flour in the country is already underway, with assistance from the United Nations.

At a recent news conference, Minister of Industry and New Technologies, Sherali Kabir, stated that the issue of producing vitamin-fortified flour has already been resolved, and the government is currently working on the necessary regulations.

He noted that, in parallel, cooperation is underway with international programs and domestic companies.  Consultations have already been held with them regarding the importation and fortification of flour with essential vitamins supplied from abroad.

"We know how much the cost of one kilogram of flour will change after adding fortifying substances. This increase will be minimal.  Once the government decree is passed, the implementation of this initiative will definitely begin and will be under strict control," the minister assured.

Flour production in Tajikistan is growing, while flour imports are declining

In 2024, Tajikistan produced more than 600,000 tons of flour.  According to the Ministry of Economic Development's forecasts, this figure will continue to rise, with the country planning to produce at least 706,000 tons of flour by 2027.

At the same time, the volume of imported flour is gradually decreasing.

Each year, Tajikistan aims to produce more of its own flour, reducing its dependence on imports and fostering the development of its domestic processing industry.