Uzbekistan is targeting an increase in fruit and vegetable exports to reach $3.5bn by the upcoming year, as reported by the presidential press service. The nation has experienced a rise in food exports amounting to $370mn over the previous year, exceeding $2bn.
In a recent video selector meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, discussions were held regarding strategies to enhance the production, processing, and exportation of fruits and vegetables within Uzbekistan. The country's agricultural sector, with over 4mn hectares of irrigated arable land predominantly used for food crops, is undergoing expansion. This includes the conversion of 260,000 hectares of cotton and grain fields for farming purposes, with plans to extend this by an additional 104,000 hectares.
Uzbekistan holds prominent positions globally in the export of apricots, cherries, peaches, and leguminous products. Despite these achievements, regional disparities in export performance have been observed, with significant growth in certain areas while others lag behind.
To combat these challenges, the government has implemented measures to enhance production efficiency and quality. This includes the deployment of specialists from the Plant Protection and Quarantine Agency to rural neighborhoods, initiatives to cultivate food on available land, and the introduction of incentives for farmers. These efforts are complemented by the establishment of agro-logistics centers, refrigerated warehouses, and the promotion of organic farming.
The government is also focusing on expanding its international market presence, with successful exports to Oman, and plans for market expansion in Asia and Europe. Environmental protection and waste processing projects are part of the broader initiatives to ensure sustainable growth in the sector. Additionally, the implementation of a more efficient task accounting system is aimed at improving executive discipline and productivity.
Overall, Uzbekistan is taking comprehensive steps to enhance its agricultural sector's productivity and global competitiveness, with a focus on increasing exports and ensuring environmental sustainability.
Source: Daryo