From July 15 to 18, 2024, Khujand became the center of discussion of important issues of the implementation of the State Program for the development of school nutrition. Leading representatives of ministries and departments, as well as international partners gathered to discuss the development of school meals and the targeted use of school lands in Sughd region.

The Working Group visited several schools and assessed how school lands are used for growing crops. The state is very helpful in this matter. For example, in the city of Istaravshan, the authorities have allocated 82 hectares of land to schools for growing potatoes, onions, carrots and fruits. After the visit to the schools, the working group gave advice on how to improve the organization of work.

On July 18, the final meeting of the Interdepartmental Coordinating Council on School Nutrition was held in Khujand. We discussed current issues, financing of school meals and the use of school lands.

Deputy Minister of Education Dilshod Safarzoda said that a budget for 2025 is being developed, where there will be a new list of schools to finance meals.

He also noted that Tajikistan is an agricultural country, and school farms should be used to grow natural products that will help diversify the school menu with fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits directly from the garden.