LocationsBy turning local peanuts into opportunity, Sami built a thriving business and a better future at home with UNDP’s LITACA project funded by Japan.
From Labour Migrant to Local Entrepreneur: How Fame of Sami’s Peanut Production Goes Beyond His Village
May 2, 2025
Sami Toshmurodov carefully packs his freshly harvested peanuts into plastic covers - each bag a small testament to his hard work and dedication to local farming traditions
UNDP Tajikistan
Finding Hope at Home
For years, Sami Toshmurodov, 39, from the Kubodiyon district in southern Tajikistan, was part of a common story - one shared by thousands of Tajik men who leave their families behind to earn a living outside the mountainous republic.
The frequent separation and unstable income made life difficult both for him and his family. On top of that, Sami came to a sobering realization: working abroad isn’t something he could rely on forever.
“You need to be young and physically strong to do those heavy jobs,” he reflects. “Over the years, your body just can't keep up the same way. You can’t count on it forever.”
The work abroad, often physically demanding and without long-term prospects, felt increasingly unsustainable.
This growing uncertainty sparked something in him - a desire for change. He began longing for a future that was rooted in his homeland, one where he could build a life close to his loved ones.
“Being a migrant laborer is a temporary job,” Sami says. “It doesn’t teach you a lot. The older you get, the harder it becomes to find your place in the labour market. I wanted something that makes me feel secure, for myself, and for my family’s future.”
Sami carries the packed peanut bags into the storage facility, where they will be kept in a dry, well-ventilated space to maintain quality before distribution
UNDP Tajikistan
From Backyard to a Peanut Brand
That’s when he looked closer to home - and saw inspiration in his backyard. His brother had started roasting and packaging locally grown peanuts on a very small scale.
Sami was intrigued. It got him thinking: what if they went one step further? What if they could create peanut-based products like peanut butter? It was a simple idea, but it had powerful potential - it could add value to local crops, generate more income, and even create jobs in their community.
The path forward wasn’t easy. Sami didn’t have any formal equipment, training, or funding. Still, he was driven by determination. He began experimenting with whatever he had, crafting self-made machinery and makeshift tools. It was far from ideal - the setup had safety risks, and production was slow and inefficient - but he pushed on.
He admits it wasn’t an easy decision. “Changing my life like that - not knowing what would come out of it - it was scary,” Sami says. “But I felt like I had to try.”
He joined his brother’s modest peanut operation, and together, they started dreaming bigger. Sami quickly realized that passion alone wouldn’t be enough - if they truly wanted to grow the business and improve their families’ lives, they needed a clear business strategy and an actionable plan. Without that, they would struggle to scale beyond the small, local operation they had started with. Sami was looking for every possible opportunity that would help the business of the household to grow by powering the workshop with modern equipment and infrastructure.
When Sami joined his brother, two pairs of hands could suddenly do much more — production increased, and the quality of their peanuts started to gain attention. People genuinely loved their product. But despite the growing popularity, the volume remained limited.
Determined to grow the business, the enthusiastic peanut producer began going from door to door, searching for opportunities to support and expand their work. He knocked, he asked, he shared his vision - and finally, one door opened.
Freshly packed peanuts sit in clear plastic bags, ready for storage and sale
UNDP Tajikistan
A Facebook Post That Changed Everything
After years of hard work and patience, the brothers’ efforts finally began to pay off. One day, while strolling through Facebook, Sami saw an announcement for the LITACA project - and it changed everything.
The UNDP LITACA III project, funded by the Government of Japan through JICA, provided crucial technical consultations on peanut butter production at the start. It also introduced modern technologies that helped Sami improve efficiency and reduce costs. The project team helped him procure the proper equipment, setting the stage for safer and more standardized production.
“This support was more than just technical,” Sami says. “It was the start of a new chapter for our business. The guidance from the project team helped me strengthen my operations and plan for growth. It was a turning point.”
With the project’s backing, Sami’s small family-run operation began transforming into a promising local enterprise, laying the foundation for sustainable growth with a capacity to process 15 kg of peanuts per hour.
When Hard Work Begins to Pay Off
The peanut butter that Sami now produces is made from locally grown peanuts and contains no additives or preservatives. His product is not only more affordable than imported chocolate spreads but also healthier, especially valued by people with diabetes and hypertension.
“We’re thrilled that our product is well-received in the community,” Sami shares. “It’s great to see our work valued, and people really appreciate our natural ingredients. Our customers aren’t just neighbours and friends anymore, even mid-scale production companies, like those making peanuts for products like Snickers, are taking notice.”
With growing demand, Sami is now planning to hire more workers and invest in a peanut harvesting to boost the supply of raw materials. His business has also created stable employment for his wife, providing financial relief for their household.
“We are so grateful that our customer base is growing because the demand keeps increasing,” says Sami. “It feels rewarding to see that all the hard work is paying off.”
Sami speaks with journalists, sharing insights about his peanut harvest, local farming challenges, and the impact of improved agricultural practices on his productivity
UNDP Tajikistan
About the Project
The support from the LITACA III project didn’t stop with technology. Sami received ongoing guidance that helped him optimize expenses and improve production efficiency. As part of the second stage of support, the project plans to provide Sami’s family business with a peanut harvester, which will increase the supply of raw materials for peanut butter production.
With nearly 10 other entrepreneurs and farmers benefiting from the LITACA III project in his district, Sami's business is proving to be an effective model in reducing labour migration, strengthening local economies, and building resilience.
The LITACA III project has been active since 2021 and has provided technical support and employment opportunities to over 1,000 people in Tajikistan. With a budget of USD 3.6 million for Tajikistan, this multi-country project also operates across the border in Afghanistan. It covers eight border districts in Tajikistan — Shahritus, Kubodiyon, Dusti, Jayhun, Panj, Farkhor, Hamadoni, and Shamsiddin Shohin — as well as the administrative centres of Bokhtar and Kulob. Many beneficiaries have increased their income by over 20%, with 80% of products sold in Khatlon markets and some exported to Afghanistan.
Media inquiries: Nigora Fazliddin, Communications Analyst, UNDP Tajikistan – nigorai.fazliddin@undp.org
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