On February 2, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting to address key issues in the development of fruit and vegetable cultivation and the expansion of the food chain in Uzbekistan. Despite a 4.1% growth in agriculture in 2023, with exports reaching around $2 bn, the President highlighted untapped potential, emphasizing the need for further development, presidential press service reported.
Key Objectives Outlined
During the video selector meeting dedicated to export and industrial concerns, President Mirziyoyev assigned the Plant Quarantine and Protection Agency pivotal responsibilities.
Significant Achievements and Measures
The Plant Quarantine and Protection Agency has undertaken systematic efforts to safeguard plants from harmful elements, produce phytosanitary clean products, and ensure food safety. Notable achievements include the analysis of 1,04 mn hectares of land through stationary and mobile laboratories, mineral fertilizer application based on scientific assessments, and the digitization of routes and introduction of new information systems.
International collaboration has played a crucial role, with about $20 mn in grants secured from international organizations and financial institutions. This funding has facilitated the upgrade of laboratories and equipment. Ongoing initiatives encompass chemical processing of fields and gardens, along with rigorous examination of import and export products to maintain quality standards.
Quality Assurance and Safety Measures
2024 Targets and Strategies
The meeting outlined tasks for the current year, with a vision to increase agricultural product exports to $3.5 bn. This involves a strategic increase in the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, pulse crops, grapes, and leguminous products. The establishment of 20 additional mobile laboratories integrated into the "uzagrolab.uz" electronic platform is planned, alongside the digitization of pesticide circulation processes to curb the importation and illegal trade of substandard pesticides.
Enhancing International Cooperation
Infrastructure Development and Expert Involvement
Modern infrastructures aimed at exporting fruit and vegetable products will be established at Fergana, Samarkand, and Tashkent international airports. International experts will be engaged to enhance the qualification of plant protection workers, and a comprehensive manual will be developed for each product, covering cultivation, storage, packaging, and delivery.
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