Uzbekistan's fruit and vegetable exports could reach $3.5 billion next year.

Uzbekistan, Tashkent – According to AN Podrobno.uz, a meeting was held on November 28 under the chairmanship of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, focusing on the development of production, processing, and export of fruits and vegetables. The main topic of discussion revolved around the prospects for enhancing the efficient use of land resources and expanding the country’s export potential, as reported by a Podrobno.uz correspondent.

https://podrobno.uz/cat/economic/eksport-plodoovoshchnoy-produktsii-uzbekistana-mozhet-dostich-3-5-milliarda-dollarov-v-sleduyushchem/2024-11-29 08:12:32

This year, Uzbekistan's food exports have risen by $370 million, surpassing $2 billion. The country holds a leading position globally in the export of apricots, cherries, peaches, and legumes. For instance, cherries are exported to 16 countries. Notable achievements were observed in the Karakalpakstan, Jizzakh, Khorezm, and Surkhandarya regions, where exports increased by 1.6 to 2.2 times.

However, some regions, such as Kashkadarya, Navoi, and Tashkent, demonstrated weak growth dynamics despite having extensive land resources. In Bukhara and Syrdarya regions, exports even declined.

To address these issues, a series of specific measures and initiatives must be undertaken, which were discussed at the meeting.

Support for Farmers

The President emphasized the need for the rational use of 650,000 hectares of land, including household plots and areas along fields and canals. These lands will be integrated into a new digital system called "Agroplatform." Residents of mahallas will be assisted in selecting quality seeds, fertilizers, and product storage technologies.

Furthermore, to support farmers, benefits have been introduced: free issuance of phytosanitary certificates, a two-year installment plan for land tax, and simplified access to loans up to 100 million sums. There are plans to plant 10 million grapevines along streets and around houses, which will be a significant step in developing the agro-industrial complex.

New Approaches in Harvest Processing and Storage

During the meeting, plans were announced for implementing shock freezing technologies, creating 10 agro-logistics centers, and establishing a thousand refrigeration warehouses. This will allow for the processing of surplus harvests, such as cabbage and watermelons, which remain in the fields during peak harvesting periods.

To stimulate year-round exports, projects are planned for producing dried and frozen products that are in demand in international markets.

Development of Organic Farming

The President instructed to increase the area of organic land to 10,000 hectares by 2025 and to 100,000 hectares within three years.

Farmers and dehkans creating organic fields will be reimbursed for expenses related to laser land leveling. Funds will also be allocated to subsidize certifications such as "Organic," "Global Gap," "Halal," and "Kosher."

Strengthening Environmental Responsibility

Particular attention was given to the "Yashil Makon" project, which aims to plant 200 million trees and shrubs. The number of parks created by ministries and khokimiyats will increase to 517.

Enhancing Management Efficiency

The President announced the implementation of an electronic platform for systematic accounting of the work of ministry, regional, and district leaders. This will ensure transparency in their activities and link salary levels to work performance.

During the meeting, it was noted that the implementation of the proposed measures would enable the achievement of the goal—an increase in fruit and vegetable exports to $3.5 billion next year.