From rocky soil to thriving harvest
Native wild onions help rural Tajik family farms improve livelihoods, resilience
FAO/Bunafsha Azimova
11/12/2025
Islomjon Yusufov’s journey saw him progress from struggling with a rocky and waterless plot of land to running a thriving, innovative family farm. “Yusuf Bobo”, as his farm is called, is a powerful example of personal determination and resilience. His story reflects the potential of agrobiodiversity to provide a pathway to economic empowerment for rural communities in Tajikistan by promoting sustainable farming practices and enhancing local agricultural diversity – even on hard, mountain soil.
Born and raised in Shahriston village in northwest Tajikistan, Islomjon spent his early life deeply connected to agriculture.
“My family received 1.6 ha of land after the former kolkhoz was dissolved in 2006,” he recalls. “But the land was rocky, flooded with mud and non-irrigable. It wasn't easy, but we worked hard to revive the arability capacity of the land.”
In the former Soviet Union, a kolkhoz was a collective farming organization in which peasants from several households worked together on state-owned land.
Islomjon and his family have worked tirelessly to grow fruit trees, vegetables and grain on the land. The real turning point came two years ago, when he partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) through a project to facilitate the conservation and sustainable use of agrobiodiversity for improved food and nutrition resilience in Tajikistan. Funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by the National Center for Environmental Protection Action of the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, the project was designed to help boost agrobiodiversity, promote climate-smart agriculture and improve food security and healthy nutrition.
International Mountain Day (11 December) provides an opportunity to shed light on the importance of biodiversity and sustainable practices in higher altitudes. With the right approaches, these areas can offer nutrition and livelihoods for local communities and sustain many more generations to come.
“I didn’t know much about some of the new farming practices before I started working with FAO,” Islomjon admits. “When I was given 3 kg of high-quality Anzur onion bulbs for planting, I didn’t know what to expect. But with the guidance of FAO experts, I planted the onion bulbs on just 30 m2 in my garden, and the results were incredible – 15 kg of Anzur onions and 300 g of seed were harvested from this small plot of land.” © FAO/Bunafsha Azimova
This initial success motivated Islomjon to expand his cultivation of high-quality onions.
“I was amazed at how well it grew,” he says. “It was a turning point for me. FAO taught me the right techniques, and I saw the growth potential.”
Anzur: not just a crop, but a treasure
The wild Anzur onion (Allium giganteum Regel), which occurs naturally in Tajikistan, is not just a food crop – it holds great potential as a high-value cash crop.
“I knew it was more than just an ordinary onion,” Islomjon says. “It’s a valuable resource with the potential to improve livelihoods in rural areas. I truly believe this onion can enhance farm income. Not only is it nutritious, but it also has strong market potential.”
He has now scaled Anzur onion cultivation to 0.05 ha, with more planned.
“Now I have the confidence to expand,” he says. “The FAO experts have taught me how to improve my farming practices, and I want to share this knowledge with other farmers. I’m excited to show them what I’ve learned and how they, too, can benefit from growing Anzur onions.”
For Islomjon, the Anzur onion is more than just a crop; it’s a path to economic empowerment for his family. Tajikistan is facing challenges in the agricultural sector, with exports down and farmers struggling. But the Anzur onion – a new and valuable product that can support the local economy and provide opportunities for farmers – could be the answer.
As Islomjon’s farm grows, so does his desire to share the knowledge he’s gained.
“It’s not just about my farm anymore,” he says. “It’s about the whole village. If we can grow Anzur onions on a larger scale, it will boost the local economy and improve everyone’s livelihood.”
There is a significant price difference between Anzur onion and regular onions, underscoring the economic potential of Anzur, not only as fresh produce but also as a processed product with higher market value. For farmers, cultivating and conserving Anzur onions can become a profitable income-generating activity, offering them a stable and sustainable source of revenue.
By diversifying their farming practices to include Anzur onions, farmers can enhance their economic resilience. The growing demand for both fresh and conserved onions provides an opportunity for farmers to tap into more lucrative markets, increasing their financial security. © FAO/Didor Sadulloev
FAO’s ongoing support and future prospects
The partnership with FAO has been instrumental in helping Islomjon improve the productivity of his farm.
“I regularly consult FAO specialists for advice on everything from disease management to fertilizer use,” he says. “There are so many products on the market, and without FAO’s expertise, I could have easily made mistakes. But with their help, I know exactly what’s best for my farm.” © FAO/Bunafsha Azimova
Islomjon Yusufov’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved when farmers have access to the right support, resources and knowledge. Today, his farm stands as a shining example of sustainable agriculture and the power of collaboration.
“I’m not just growing crops; I’m cultivating change,” he says with a proud smile. “I believe the Anzur onion can be a game-changer for rural Tajikistan. It offers hope for the future, and I’m excited to be a part of that change.”