DUSHANBE, May 26, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- President Emomali Rahmon considers that the food prices have been raised artificially by a group of illicit dealers and frauds.

He remarked this yesterday during an address to a meeting of regional administrators in Danghara district, Khatlon province.

According to the presidential press service, regional administrators from Khatlon, Sughd, Gorno Badakhshan and districts subordinate to the center attended the meeting.

Implementation of national budget and national agricultural programs, rational use of water and land, timely preparations to ensure the regular work of the country''s economy during autumn-winter 2011-2012, as well as preparations for celebration of the 20th anniversary of Tajikistan’s Independence were the focus of the meeting.

A special attention was paid to the issues related to mitigation of effects of negative external impacts such as rising fuel and food prices  as well as shortage of water in Tajikistan, the source said.  

President stressed that rational use of water and land, repeat sowing and satiation of consumer market were an efficient way to mitigate effects of the negative external impacts.

Speaking at the meeting, Rahmon expressed serious concern about rise in prices of some basic food products in the country, in particular meat.  He considers that the food prices have been raised artificially by a group of illicit dealers and frauds.

The head of state warned that in case of disclosure of illegal trade and unfair consume practice, activities of dealers (sub-purchasers) would be suspended in order “to give an opportunity to producers to sell their products at reasonable prices.”

We will recall that the main purpose of the two-day visit was for the president to get acquainted with socioeconomic situation in the district and the pace of reforms carried out in Danghara’s agrarian sector.  On May 24, the head of state reportedly visited a number of farming units in the district.