Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  A video conference chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev focused on the efficient use of land for growing food and cash crops, including land on private plots, roadways, field edges, and areas around canals and collectors.

The President emphasized that 260,000 hectares of cotton and grain land had previously been allocated for food production, with an additional 104,000 hectares now made available.

Food exports have increased by US$370 million (1.2 times) compared to last year, reaching over US$2 billion. Uzbekistan ranks third in the world for apricot exports, sixth to seventh for cherries and peaches, and tenth for exports of mung beans and other legumes. Cherries are exported to 16 countries, and 3-4 tons of grapes are sent to the USA weekly.

Exports have increased by 2.2 times in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and Jizzakh regions, 1.8 times in Khorezm, and 1.6 times in Surkhandarya.

However, the President noted that some regional khokims (governors) and their agricultural deputies had failed to organize work properly, resulting in less significant increases in production and exports. He pointed out that the growth seen in Kashkadarya, Navoi, and Tashkent regions, which have much larger land resources, did not match their potential, and exports in Bukhara and Syrdarya regions had not reached last year’s levels.

Furthermore, in 64 districts, the volume of exports had decreased compared to the previous year, with 17 districts showing reductions of over 50%.

Khokims were urged to seek out new opportunities and use them effectively, especially in the context of the challenging global situation.

The sowing process along field edges came under criticism, as large areas of land remain unused in several regions of Uzbekistan. For example, in Karakalpakstan, 2,100 hectares, in Fergana 1,200 hectares, in Samarkand 826 hectares, in Bukhara 784 hectares, and in Kashkadarya 247 hectares of land remain uncultivated. In some cases, farmers were sold low-quality seeds, and pest control products did not meet standards.

The Ministry of Agriculture and the Plant Quarantine Agency were tasked with developing a new system of collaboration with khokims, exporters, experienced clusters, cooperatives, and farmers regarding seeds, saplings, plant protection products, and fertilizers for growing food crops.

It was noted that the number of entrepreneurs effectively using the field edges continues to grow. A successful example is the farm in Asaka, where 10,000 mulberry, poplar, and grape trees were planted on 3 hectares of land, generating 700 million soums in income over five years. The "Samarkand Strawberry" enterprise also distributed 3 million plum saplings to 6,500 individuals and began planting along field edges.

By the end of the year, 650,000 hectares of field edges will be handed over to exporters and entrepreneurs, and 364,000 hectares will be allocated for the public. The responsibility for planting cash crops on private plots and field edges will be assigned to the Plant Quarantine and Protection Agency.

Various incentives are planned for farmers involved in this direction. Entrepreneurs effectively using field edges will receive additional points in their rankings, and phytosanitary certificates for the domestic market will be issued free of charge for one year. Farmers will also be allowed to pay land taxes for two years at once. Loans of up to 100 million soums will be provided under simplified procedures through the "Family Entrepreneurship" program.

The sowing and cultivation process on field edges will be monitored through the "e-Fito" portal. Special attention will be given to the distribution of lemon and grape saplings in each district, as well as initiatives for planting at least 10 million grapevines within streets and multi-apartment buildings.

In addition, based on the experience of Saykhunobod, mini-technical equipment will be provided to 164 rural districts to ensure employment and offer interest-free loans of up to 30 million soums for equipment produced in Uzbekistan.

Fruit and Vegetable Processing Challenges in Several Regions of Uzbekistan

The processing of fruits and vegetables in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Navoi, Khorezm, Syrdarya, and Jizzakh regions remains below the national average. Regions such as Angor, Uzun, Khazarasp, Khanka, Ulgunor, and Kegeyli lack the necessary facilities for fruit and vegetable processing.

It was noted with dissatisfaction that funds allocated by international financial institutions remain unused, and some regions have not submitted any projects for funding.

Officials have been tasked with developing a project portfolio to effectively utilize these funds and begin their implementation.

To ensure year-round exports, it was planned to create shock-freezing systems in 51 districts. However, out of 76 entrepreneurs who expressed interest in implementing such projects, 20 still have not received land allocations for their realization.

The Ministry of Agriculture has been tasked with launching all 76 of these projects in the coming year.

During the harvest period, due to falling prices, part of the cabbage and beet harvests in Surkhandarya, onions in Jizzakh, and watermelon in Kashkadarya, Jizzakh, and Syrdarya remained unharvested.

It was pointed out that surplus crops could be dried and exported as food additives, which are in high demand in the food industry.

Special attention was given to the need to implement 50 projects in the next year, totaling US$100 million, aimed at shock-freezing and food additives production.

On industrial farms and vineyards, small cold storage units, sorting, and packaging workshops will be allowed to be built on plots up to 20 hectares.

Officials have been tasked with determining locations for such workshops in intensive farms and starting the creation of facilities with a capacity of 500,000 tons next year, including preparing relevant district-specific calculations.

By the end of the year, 10 agricultural logistics centers with a total capacity of 57,000 tons and 230,000 tons of cold storage facilities are scheduled to be commissioned.

Regional leaders have been tasked with creating 14,000 hectares of industrial intensive fruit orchards and vineyards by the end of this year and 29,000 hectares in the next year.

Additionally, fully prepared industrial intensive orchards and vineyards on 300 hectares in the Kurangantep District, 200 hectares in the Fergana District, and 100 hectares each in the Pap, Yangikurgan, and Akhangaran Districts are planned to be handed over to entrepreneurs.

The Technical Regulation Agency and the Plant Quarantine Agency have been instructed to develop separate technical standards for each type of fruit and vegetable product intended for export.

Currently, organic certification is available for just 3,900 hectares of land in 10 districts.

On the global market, the cost of organic products is 2 to 3 times higher than that of conventional ones.

For example, an entrepreneur in the Nukus district grows organic tomatoes on 50 hectares, dries them, and exports them to Europe for US$6 per kilogram (while traditional tomatoes cost less than US$1). Another enterprise in Tashkent grows organic mung beans, beans, and peanuts on 400 hectares around the Katakkurgan and Chimkurgan reservoirs.

Officials have been tasked with increasing the area of organic lands to 10,000 hectares by 2025 and to 100,000 hectares over the next three years.

Now, for farmers and dekhkans who create organic plots, the government will reimburse costs for land leveling using laser technology, provide subsidies for obtaining certifications such as Organic, Global GAP, Halal, and Kosher, and separate sections for organic products will be organized in large retail chains.

It was noted that greenhouses, processing workshops, and cold storage facilities, which are on the balance sheets of banks, deteriorate when left unused for long periods.

Therefore, it has been proposed to transfer these facilities into trust management by experienced entrepreneurs for a period of three years. If the entrepreneurs demonstrate positive results, the property will be provided to them on an installment plan for 10 years.

The necessity of introducing a leasing system for agricultural machinery and greenhouses was emphasized.

In large retail chains in the Sultanate of Oman, separate sections have been allocated for products from Uzbekistan, and for the first time, exports of cherries, peaches, and apricots have been organized. It was noted that it is important to expand this experience to Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Singapore, Korea, Japan, and Europe.

It was highlighted that expenses for organizing the first trade fairs in these countries will be reimbursed.

During the meeting, it was noted that there are still cases where hokims prevent entrepreneurs from other regions from fulfilling export obligations. As a result, exporters, with buyers and available financial resources, are left without products.

In this regard, a system has been announced, under which the region of origin of the product will be mandatory in the phytosanitary certificate. This will eliminate artificial obstacles for exporters.

Responsible authorities have been tasked with integrating the databases of customs and quarantine services to implement this system.

In addition to the main agenda items, the president also addressed environmental issues.

Heads of relevant agencies reported on the progress of projects for waste processing, totaling US$1.3 billion, in the Andijan, Jizzakh, Navoi, Namangan, Samarkand, and Tashkent regions.

Measures undertaken as part of the national movement "Yashil Makon" ("Green Space") were analyzed, and corresponding instructions were given.

Additionally, issues were discussed regarding the strengthening of responsibility among ministers, hokims, and sector leaders, ensuring the unconditional execution of all instructions, and improving the control system.

During the meeting, reports were heard from the heads of ministries and departments responsible for agriculture, hokims, as well as opinions from entrepreneurs.