Uzbekistan aims to increase fruit and vegetable exports to $3.5bn by next year, the presidential press service reported. This year, Uzbekistan's food exports have seen an increase of $370mn compared to the previous year, surpassing $2bn.
On November 28, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a video selector meeting to discuss measures aimed at increasing the production, processing, and export of fruits and vegetables in Uzbekistan. The meeting emphasized the potential for growth in the sector, which plays a crucial role in the country's economy.
Uzbekistan is home to over 4mn hectares of irrigated arable land, primarily dedicated to food crops and raw materials. In recent years, 260,000 hectares of cotton and grain fields have been repurposed for farming, with an additional 104,000 hectares planned for the same purpose. This expansion supports the country's efforts to boost food production and exports.
The country ranks third globally in apricot exports, seventh in cherries and peaches, and tenth in leguminous products like mash. Uzbekistan has successfully expanded its markets, with cherries being exported to 16 countries.
However, regional disparities in export growth were noted. Exports have surged by 2.2 times in Karakalpakstan and Jizzakh, 1.8 times in Khorezm, and 1.6 times in Surkhandarya, while some regions, such as Kashkadarya, Navoi, and Tashkent, have not seen significant growth despite their large land areas. Exports in Bukhara and Syrdarya have even decreased compared to last year.
To address these challenges, the government has introduced several initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency and quality of production. There are over 5,000 rural neighborhoods in Uzbekistan, with more than 2,000 households growing fruits and vegetables. However, only 1,000 of these communities received seedlings, and many faced issues with poor-quality seeds. The government has decided to assign specialists from the Plant Protection and Quarantine Agency to each neighborhood to ensure the quality of products.
Additionally, there is significant potential for cultivating food on 650,000 hectares of land surrounding farms, houses, and along streets. The government is now working to assess and register these areas in the Agroplatform system. Farmers and residents will receive training on selecting quality seeds, using fertilizers properly, and ensuring the proper storage of harvested products.
To encourage these efforts, the government is offering various incentives. Farmers who effectively use the land around their fields will receive additional points in the entrepreneur ranking system and a free internal phytosanitary certificate for one year. Furthermore, land tax will be payable in two-year installments, and loans of up to UZS 100mn ($7,775) will be available under the "Family Business" program. The amount of cultivated produce will be monitored via the "e-Fitouz" portal.
Another key initiative is the planting of 10mn vines around streets and apartment buildings. The Council of Farmers, Farmers, and Homestead Land Owners will assist with all agrotechnical activities until the vines begin to produce. Communities will be connected to export companies to buy the harvested products.
The meeting also discussed the challenges of fruit and vegetable processing. Prices for products like cabbage, beets, and onions fall during the summer season, leading to excess produce left in the fields. The government is encouraging the use of "shock" freezing technology, which will allow produce to be exported year-round. Plans include the establishment of 10 agro-logistics centers and more than 1,000 refrigerated warehouses. Additionally, 40,000 hectares of intensively cultivated orchards and vineyards will be created.
Organic farming is also a priority. Although only 3,900 hectares of land currently have organic certification, the government plans to expand this to 10,000 hectares by 2025 and 100,000 hectares within the next three years. Farmers establishing organic fields will have the cost of laser leveling reimbursed, and subsidies will be provided for certification costs.
Efforts to expand Uzbekistan’s presence in global markets were highlighted. In Oman, a dedicated stall was set up for Uzbek products, marking the first export of cherries, peaches, and apricots to the Sultanate. The government plans to expand exports to markets in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and Europe through trade fairs and phytosanitary permits.
The president also emphasized the importance of environmental protection, with ongoing waste processing projects in several regions. The Yashil makon (Green space) national project continues to thrive, with 257 "green parks" established and plans for further expansion.
The meeting also addressed executive discipline, with plans for a more efficient and systematic accounting of tasks at the ministry, regional, and district levels. The Prime Minister has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of this system, which will be linked to an electronic platform for better control and productivity.
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