DUSHANBE, July 27, 2011, Asia-Plus -- Flour and bakery prices are expected to remain more or less stable in the second half year of 2011 and in the beginning of the next year, Minister of Economic Development and Trade Farrukh Hamraliyev told reporters on July 27.

“Over the past two years, Tajikistan has produced more than one million tons of cereals annually and we will gradually increase grain productions,” said the minister, “Besides, Russia and Kazakhstan that provide the bulk of Tajikistan’s grain and flour imports are expected to have good harvests this year.  Russia, for instance, plans to produce more than90 million tons of grains this year.”

Hamraliyev reminded that Kazakhstan and Russia had to introduce grain export restrictions last year that led to increase in flour prices in Tajikistan.  “Such measures have been introduced this year as well, but Russia has already lifted the grain export restrictions.  They will seek product market for their grain.  However, there are also other markets for purchasing this product,” the minister stressed.