In a recent plenary session of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, Uzbekistan's upper house of parliament, members deliberated on a draft law focused on soil protection and the augmentation of its productivity.
Tanzila Narbaeva, while providing insights into the proposed legislation, highlighted a concerning trend of declining soil fertility over the past three decades in Uzbekistan. She emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue by stating specific data: "For example, in 1991, the soil fertility index was 58 points, and it has steadily decreased to 53.7 points in 2021. Alarmingly, 53% of our irrigated lands are saline, contributing to adverse effects on productivity, biodiversity, and public health."
The chairman of the Senate underscored the significance of the proposed law, characterizing it as a robust legal framework aimed at safeguarding soil health and promoting increased productivity across the nation.
The adverse consequences of declining soil fertility, including droughts, sandstorms, and dust storms, have become increasingly prevalent in Uzbekistan, extending even to the capital. These environmental challenges have a far-reaching negative impact on agriculture, biodiversity, and the overall well-being of the population, noted the senator.
Following thorough discussions, senators unanimously approved the draft law.
Notably, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev presented the Samarkand Declaration on Sand and Dust Storms during the 21st session of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification Review Committee held in Samarkand. The initiative outlined in the declaration aligns with the broader national efforts to combat environmental challenges and underscores Uzbekistan's commitment to sustainable land management practices.
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