Economic expert for Turkmenistan Valentin Trapeznikov in a commentary published on CentralAsia.news website on Friday briefed on the outstanding results of Turkmenistan's food industry in the first seven months of this year.
"Undoubtedly, the implementation of the development strategy of the agro-industrial complex is of utmost importance. Creating conditions for private producers through their state support has led to domestic entrepreneurs taking a leading position in the production of most crops and livestock products," Trapeznikov said.
According to the article, in January-July 2022 the sausage production increased by 19.7 percent year-on-year, the production of confectionery products grew by 18.0 percent year-on-year, canned vegetable production saw a year-on-year increase of 7.0 percent and bakery production increased by 6.0 percent year-on-year.
In addition, the production of butter increased by 5.4 percent, whole milk products - by 3.5 percent and pasta - by 1.3 percent. The production of cereals, flour and soft drinks also increased.
The private sector contributed the most to the food production increase during the period. In particular, they increased their sausage products output by 22.1 percent, confectionery products output - 19.7 percent, fish and fish products output - 18.8 percent, whole milk products output – 5 percent, butter production - 7.7 percent, bakery products output - 7.3 percent, canned fruits and vegetables production - 8.5 percent and groats production - 20.4 percent.
According to Trapeznikov, the production and assortment of confectionery, dairy products and ice cream exported to foreign countries is also growing. Production of baby food is developing. Also, among the novelties of private producers are chocolate paste, 72% dark chocolate, as well as milk-grain and milk-fruit cereals for babies.
"The production of canned fish, fruit and vegetable products is also developing dynamically. Private enterprises produce a wide range of mayonnaise, sauces, ketchups, ajika and other types of seasonings and spices," the expert stated.
"Thus, the domestic food industry, including enterprises of different forms of ownership, is actively involved in the implementation of import substitution programs and increasing the export potential of the country, ensuring an increase in the degree of food independence of the country," Trapeznikov added.
Turkmenistan leads the world in salt iodization according to international standards.
