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Uzbekistan plans to restore 620 thousand hectares of pastures in two years
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on proposals for the development of new agricultural lands and elevating scientific activity in the sector to a new level, reports the press service of the head of state.
According to data, over the past five years, 826.5 thousand hectares of land have been brought into agricultural circulation. Of these, 409 thousand hectares are irrigated lands, while another 418 thousand hectares were developed through the use of groundwater on rainfed and pasture lands, as well as the cultivation of low-water-demand crops.
The presentation included plans to develop and improve the condition of another 938 thousand hectares of pastures by 2030.
In 2026–2027, it is planned to restore 620 thousand hectares of pastures. In particular, pasture crops will be planted on 300 thousand hectares, and water intake wells will be installed on 130 thousand hectares. As a result, grazing capacity will be created for 960 thousand heads of small ruminants, as well as an increase in meat and wool production.
Additionally, the activities of the Agency for the Development of Agro-Industrial Complex were reviewed.
Last year, intensive and industrialized orchards and vineyards were established on 44 thousand hectares of inefficient lands, creating 37 thousand jobs.
The orchards and vineyards created on these lands will start yielding crops from 2027, allowing for the export of fruit and vegetable products worth $660 million annually. In Sokh, 500 hectares are planted with apples, raspberries, and apricots; in Termez district, 164 hectares – apricots and peaches; grape variety “Avatar” is grown in Akhangaran district on 309 hectares, in Bulungur – 550 hectares, and in Kuva – 60 hectares. In Pap district, 504 hectares are planted with peach and plum plantations.
Continuing this work in 2026, it is necessary to create 25.5 thousand hectares of fruit orchards and 5 thousand hectares of vineyards, and to organize 48 thousand permanent and seasonal jobs, — the report states.
The presentation noted that seedlings worth $60 million are imported to Uzbekistan annually. It was emphasized that all conditions exist for local production according to European standards.
For this purpose, the agency has created a collection of more than 200 virus-free, high-yielding mother fruit varieties. To propagate seedlings of these varieties and ensure supplies to all regions, complexes consisting of in vitro laboratories and mother nurseries are being established on 50 hectares in Bektemir district and 75 hectares in Yukorichirchik district. They are instructed to commission these complexes by the end of the year and ensure the production of 27 million seedlings per year.
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