Turkmenistan has seen a significant increase in its rice production in recent years. The country’s rice output has grown from 180,000 metric tons in 2020 to an estimated 220,000 metric tons in 2023, marking a substantial 22% rise. This growth has been driven by the government’s efforts to expand the area under rice cultivation and improve irrigation infrastructure.
Turkmenistan has prioritized boosting domestic rice production to reduce its reliance on imports and achieve greater self-sufficiency in food supplies. The government has invested in modernizing irrigation systems, introducing high-yielding rice varieties, and providing subsidies and technical support to farmers. These initiatives have enabled Turkmenistan to increase the area under rice cultivation from 50,000 hectares in 2020 to 60,000 hectares in 2023.
The rise in rice production has had a positive impact on Turkmenistan’s food security and agricultural trade. The country has been able to meet a larger share of its domestic rice demand, reducing the need for costly imports. Additionally, Turkmenistan has started exporting surplus rice to neighboring countries, generating additional revenue for the agricultural sector.
Turkmenistan’s success in boosting rice production serves as a model for other Central Asian nations seeking to enhance their food security and agricultural resilience in the face of growing climate challenges and global market uncertainties.
Citations:
[1] https://directorstalk.net/palm-oil-rises-on-strong-exports
[2] https://millermagazine.com/blog/world-rice-market-and-turkey-1929
[3] https://www.mundus-agri.eu/news/bulgur-turkey-profit-india-export-ban-rice.n31714.html
[4] https://www.statista.com/outlook/cmo/food/bread-cereal-products/rice/turkey
[5] https://www.netafim.com/lv-lv/blog/drip-irrigation--changing-the-way-rice-is-grown-sustainably-in-turkey/