Uzbekistan plans to partner with an American company, which dominates 80% of the global poultry genetics market, to bring advanced genetic technologies into its poultry farming sector and establish breeding farms, as it was disclosed by presidential press service.
On June 25, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a series of proposals aimed at advancing Uzbekistan’s livestock industries, particularly poultry farming, sheep and goat farming.
Poultry Farming Initiatives
In 2023, Uzbekistan implemented 253 projects in poultry farming, increasing the number of farms to 1,300 and creating 4,000 new jobs. To further boost this sector, $420mn is expected to be sourced from international organizations and banks for promising projects.
Production Goals and Genetic Improvements
In 2024, the production of poultry meat is projected to increase from 700,000 tons to 800,000 tons, while egg production is expected to rise from 8.5 bn to 10 bn. A key challenge identified in the sector is genetics, with Uzbekistan lacking a first-order meat poultry reproducer and relying on imports from Hungary for second-order poultry.
Proposals to implement a cluster system in poultry farming and develop ready-made business projects for entrepreneurs were discussed.
Support Measures
To support industry development, several additional measures were announced:
- Poultry enterprises will be exempt from land tax for five years.
- The export of poultry meat will be permitted.
- The repayment period for $35mn of low-cost resources provided to entrepreneurs will be extended by three years.
- Expansion and centralization of feed supplies to poultry farms.
Karakul Sheep Farming
Uzbekistan currently has 39 farms engaged in Karakul sheep farming, with 2 mn heads of sheep grazing on more than 2 mn hectares of pastures in the Bukhara region. Recognizing the need for expansion, it was proposed to increase the number of Karakul sheep from 6 mn to 7 mn by promoting cooperative-based farming. This includes providing the population in Karakul, Karaulbazar, Gijduvan, Peshkun, Dzhandar, and Alat regions with sheep, pastures, and wells, and expanding areas for fodder plants.
Goat Farming
During his trip to the Namangan region, President Mirziyoyev emphasized the development of goat breeding. Following his directives, purebred goats have been imported from Turkey and Russia, and a breeding goat cluster has been established. Drawing on the experience of Mongolia, Uzbekistan plans to import 5,000 purebred goats to the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Bukhara, Jizzakh, Namangan, and Tashkent regions. This initiative aims to boost the goat population to over 100,000 heads within two years.
To further enhance the livestock sector, instructions were given to improve breeding practices, and focus on the production and export of high-value products such as cashmere and tweed from goat wool.
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