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In a groundbreaking move, Uzbekistan has dedicated 100,000 hectares of land to growing foreign cotton varieties from Turkey, India, and China this year. This information was presented to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during an agricultural meeting, as reported by the presidential press service.
Cotton is currently cultivated in 136 districts across Uzbekistan, covering over 1 million hectares. To increase yields, 42 promising local varieties and 18 foreign varieties are being used alongside traditional ones. Additionally, an experiment involving pre-soaked seeds on 112,000 hectares and inter-regional rotation of varieties on 200,000 hectares is underway.
Experts emphasized that seed quality is crucial for yield, but many farmers use low-quality seeds to cut costs. The current five-year testing period for new varieties is seen as a hindrance. To address this, the government plans to privatize its share in 31 elite seed farms and six seed processing plants. Furthermore, 46 specialized enterprises will be consolidated into 13 modern regional companies. These reforms aim to reduce the time for introducing new seeds to two years.
President Mirziyoyev stressed the need for competition in importing seeds and improving cotton cultivation techniques.
The meeting also addressed fruit and viticulture sectors. Uzbekistan currently has 266,000 hectares of orchards and 132,000 hectares of vineyards, but officials believe there's potential for expansion. A new system for establishing fruit orchards, particularly apple orchards, and vineyards will be implemented. The Agency for Agro-Industry Development is tasked with developing feasibility studies considering each region's soil and climate conditions. The government will offer preferential loans for seedlings, water-saving irrigation systems, and other necessities.
Land allocation procedures will change, with local administrations proposing the creation of orchards on low-yield lands, which will be leased to farmers for 30 years through open tenders.
Mirziyoyev emphasized, «Our main goal is to develop agriculture based on scientifically proven methods and the best practices of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization."
The meeting also discussed efficient use of greenhouses and their energy supply. A proposal was made to subsidize the modernization of pumps used by cotton and grain producers, potentially reducing energy costs and irrigation time by 60%. These reforms aim to lower production costs, a key goal for officials.
This comprehensive approach demonstrates Uzbekistan's commitment to modernizing its agricultural sector, increasing efficiency, and opening up to international best practices and varieties.
