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Women and young entrepreneurs in the livestock sector are supported by grants of up to 40%
Within the framework of implementing the decisions of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on sector development, during a media tour held in Fergana, the general public was introduced to the new opportunities of the Sustainable Livestock Development Financing project, implemented by the Committee for Veterinary and Livestock Development in cooperation with the French Development Agency (AFD). The event placed particular emphasis on the financial incentive mechanisms created for women and young entrepreneurs.
This strategic project, with a total value of EUR 147.1 million, is planned for the period 2022–2026. Its main goal is the modernization of livestock farming based on advanced technologies, a sharp increase in productivity, and the development of a climate-adapted "green" economy. Within the framework of the project, livestock entrepreneurs are provided with financial resources equivalent to the national currency up to EUR 100,000 for a period of up to 10 years with a grace period of up to 3 years.
The project is distinguished by its most important and innovative feature — a grant system. After the project launch, up to 30 percent of the received loan amount is returned to entrepreneurs in the form of a grant. Notably, if the project initiator is a woman or a man under the age of 24, they are additionally provided with another 10 percent, so the total grant amount reaches 40 percent of the loan.
Grant funds are directed towards financing a wide range of "green" projects. Priority areas include the modernization of milk and meat processing enterprises, establishment of high-quality feed production, development of intensive aquaculture, construction of modern livestock and poultry complexes (especially using energy-efficient wooden materials), development of poultry and beekeeping. Special attention is also given to "green" investments, such as the installation of solar panels, implementation of drip irrigation systems, and the acquisition of modern agricultural machinery for feed production.
Project manager Oleg Li emphasized that the goal of the project is not only to increase livestock numbers but also to create a climate-adapted, resource-saving, and highly profitable livestock model. He noted that grants of up to 40 percent for youth and women open new business opportunities and reported that, to date, guarantees have been issued to 26 entities totaling 8.8 billion Uzbek soms.
The project has already achieved significant results during its implementation. To date, 321 subprojects have been financed, 3,085 new jobs have been created, and 825 women have been employed. In addition, 1,256 industry specialists (243 managers and 1,013 field veterinarians) have undergone training programs based on international standards to improve their qualifications.
For the first time in the veterinary field, a system has been established to monitor diseases in real time (online). This system ensured centralized monitoring of epizootic situations throughout the country and created a mechanism for rapid response to dangerous diseases.
This project plays an important role as a "social elevator" in providing employment for women, involving housewives in formal entrepreneurship. As a result, they receive permanent jobs, social protection, and a stable source of income. The successful activities of each female entrepreneur contribute to the creation of at least 3–5 additional jobs in the region, further enhancing the socio-economic significance of this initiative.
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