Turkmenistan increased grain production by 11.6% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to a statement from the government press service following an expanded Cabinet of Ministers meeting chaired by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The data was presented by Chairman of the State Statistics Committee Dovletgeldi Amanmuhammedov.
"Compared to the same period in 2025, grain production increased by 11.6%, vegetables by 12.8%, melons by 3.3%, potatoes by 4.2%, and milk by 0.3%," the government reported.
The growth reflects Turkmenistan's ongoing efforts to strengthen food security and improve agricultural production efficiency. The increase in harvest volumes also underscores the importance of developing transport infrastructure to ensure domestic supply and expand export potential for agricultural products.
Against this backdrop, the International Transport Forum (ITF) in an exclusive interview with Trend presented its assessment of the region's transport system development. The organization noted that the Middle Corridor — a route connecting China and Central Asia with Europe via the Caspian Sea, the South Caucasus, and Turkey — will retain strategic importance for Eurasian transport connectivity even if southern routes through Iran become more attractive after a long-term normalization of relations between Washington and Tehran.
"The Middle Corridor will in any case retain its strategic value as a diversified route between Asia and Europe, bypassing Russia and Iran. It will continue to enjoy significant political support and investment aimed at developing Eurasian transport connectivity," the ITF emphasized.