As previously reported by Spot, on November 28, the president held a video conference dedicated to measures aimed at increasing the production, processing, and export of fruit and vegetable products.
Due to falling prices during the peak harvest season, crops such as cabbage, beets, and onions are left in the fields. This year, a significant portion of the watermelon harvest also went uncollected. Surplus products can be processed, dried, or turned into food additives for export.
To ensure year-round exports, the implementation of shock freezing technology is planned. The Ministry of Agriculture and local authorities have been tasked with executing similar projects by 2025.
Additionally, 10 agro-logistics centers will be established, along with over a thousand refrigerated warehouses, and more than 40,000 hectares of industrial intensive orchards and vineyards.
Photo: press service of the president
On the global market, prices for organic products are 2-3 times higher. However, in Uzbekistan, only 3,900 hectares of land in 10 districts have organic certification. In Andijan, Jizzakh, and Khorezm, such crops are not grown at all. Around reservoirs, 2,000 hectares are cultivated without pesticide treatment. To achieve this, it is sufficient to obtain organic certification and use quality seeds and seedlings.
The president instructed to increase the area of organic land to 10,000 hectares by 2025 and to 100,000 hectares within the next three years.
Farmers and dekhkans creating organic fields will have their expenses for laser leveling of the land reimbursed. Funds will also be allocated for subsidizing the "Organic," "Global Gap," "Halal," and "Kosher" certifications.
This year, dedicated shelves for Uzbek products were allocated in major retail chains in Oman. This practice is planned to be expanded to markets in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and Europe. The head of state instructed to organize trade fairs and arrange phytosanitary permits. Thanks to these measures, fruit and vegetable exports are expected to reach $3.5 billion by 2025.
Earlier, Spot reported that a draft law on agricultural risk insurance has been developed in Uzbekistan.