President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan convened a meeting on February 16 to address the socio-economic development of the Andijan region, marking a pivotal moment in the region's growth trajectory.
Critical infrastructure upgrades were also emphasized, with plans to concrete 265 km of irrigation canals and refurbish 22 pumping stations and hydraulic structures. Additionally, efforts to expand the adoption of vertical sowing methods for various crops signify a commitment to innovation and sustainable agricultural practices.
To support these initiatives, the government will provide loans of up to UZS 100 mn ($8,099) and subsidies for equipment purchases, alongside a 30% cost subsidy for seeds of high-value export-oriented crops. Furthermore, a significant allocation of UZS 100 bn ($8.1 mn) will be directed towards harnessing the potential of artificial reservoirs to boost fish production to 100,000 tons, underscoring the government's commitment to diversifying the agricultural sector.
In a bid to further strengthen the region's agro-industrial capacity, plans were outlined to invest $220 mn in food industry projects involving foreign brands. Additionally, directives were issued to establish an agrological center in the Andijan region and to ramp up fruit and vegetable processing facilities in Andijan, Ulugnor, and Jalakuduk.
Furthermore, collaborations between educational institutions, such as the proposed 2+2 joint training program between Asaka Agricultural Technical School and the Andijan Agricultural Institute, reflect a concerted effort to align vocational training with industry needs. Additionally, investments totaling $7 mn will be directed towards upgrading medical facilities in the region, with a focus on bolstering medical tourism initiatives.
The meeting also commended the success of the sericulture cluster in Markhamat, where a state-of-the-art silk production complex has been instrumental in generating annual exports of $25 mn.
Earlier Daryo reported that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Andijan region on February 15, starting his tour at the "Asaka Textile" textile cluster enterprise. Previously inefficient until 2016, the cluster underwent a transformation encouraged and supported by the president, becoming a vibrant production hub. By August 2022, the $83 mn project had developed a complete production chain, spanning from raw materials to finished goods. Plans included the establishment of a school for designers and technologists in Andijan, attracting renowned brands and retailers, and boosting industry exports to $800 mn.
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