Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- In 2022, onions are planted in Uzbekistan on an area of 91,100 hectares. More than 1.9 million tons were grown, of which 665 thousand tons were grown in August-September 2022.

About 1.2 million tons of grown onion crops were directed to consumption of the population, 203,000 tons were exported, 93,200 tons were put into reserves, 210,000 tons were put into public catering enterprises and processing enterprises. Natural losses made up 228,000 tons.

According to preliminary estimates, from 20 January to 30 April 2023, the population’s need for onions will average 346,000 tons.

However, as a result of interruptions in the supply chain for agricultural products, there is a rush in some farmers’ markets for this type of product, which affects the price upwards.

To date, having studied the farmers’ markets of the republic, the average retail price of onion is 6,000-8,000 soums, and wholesale – 5,500-6,500 soums.

The main reason for this is a sharp cold snap. So, from 9 to 17 January 2023, the average air temperature ranged from -13°C to -22°C.

There were interruptions in the fuel and energy complex, the system of logistics and transport of products.

On 9 January 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture sent recommendations from scientists and specialists to the country’s regional administrations in order to protect agricultural products from the cold and maintain product quality.

However, as a result of low temperatures, the onion products stored in outdoor farmers’ markets were frozen (freezing temperature -5°C). As a result, the volume of production decreased.

The study of the situation in foreign countries regarding onions showed that the price of this product on the world market has increased significantly as a result of the geopolitical situation in the world and the complication of the chain of economic relations. As a result, the price of onion in Uzbekistan doubled. For example, today Ukraine sells onions at 0.74 USD/kg, Georgia - 0.56 USD/kg, Belarus, Poland, Moldova and Tajikistan - 0.47-0.5 USD/kg.

In our country, in order to reduce the cost of the domestic market, meet the consumer demand of the population and ensure food security in the Republic of Uzbekistan, a temporary restriction has been established on the export of onions for a period of 4 months, starting from 1 January 2023.

To date, the regions have confirmed that there are 87,000 tons of onion products, and in the farms – 232,000 tons, a total of 319,000 tons. This indicates the presence of onion stocks.

According to the analysis of experts, the consumer market will need another 26,500 tons of onions to the existing stock to meet full demand.

Uzbekistan is currently negotiating with industrial partners in foreign countries to import these products.

At the same time, in our southern regions, early onion varieties have been cultivated since spring. According to calculations, if the seeds planted in Surkhandarya and Kashkadarya regions germinate and yield in accordance with the plan, there will be no shortage and the demand of the population will be fully covered.

At present, in our country, not only onions, but also all the main types of agricultural products are harvested and stored in the prescribed manner. Based on the balance of supply and demand, systematic work is underway to release these stocks to the farmers’ markets of our country.

In this regard, all responsible persons work according to a clear plan. The government commission is taking the necessary measures to ensure uninterrupted supplies and prevent price increases.