On March 18th, the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Agency of Plant Protection and Quarantine was briefed with the planned work in this field.
The agency, operating under the Ministry of Agriculture, is a government body responsible for quarantine and plant protection, as well as agrochemistry. The agency’s activities include soil analysis, fertilizers, and agricultural product analysis, combating harmful organisms, preventing their entry into the country and their spread, and ensuring the production of phytosanitary clean products.
Over the past years, 7 new information systems have been implemented in the field, and 40 areas have been digitized. Thanks to the attraction of approximately US$20 million in grant funds from international organizations and financial institutions, laboratories and equipment have been upgraded. Soil analysis has been conducted on an area of 1,040,000 hectares through stationary and mobile laboratories, and scientifically based norms for the application of mineral fertilizers have been determined based on this data. These norms have been integrated into the program “uzagrolab.uz.” Using data and recommendations from this program, farmers have improved the accuracy of field and garden treatments.
Such measures play an important role in ensuring the quality and safety of fruit and vegetable products. Currently, 620 phytosanitary permits have been obtained for the export of agricultural products to 80 countries. Within the framework of the “GSP+” system, 200,000 hectares have been brought into compliance with international requirements. In 2023, agricultural exports amounted to nearly US$2 billion. However, the export potential is significantly higher.
On January 18th of this year, during a video conference on export and industry issues, measures were also identified in the field of vegetable and fruit growing. In particular, the Agency of Plant Protection and Quarantine was tasked with organizing the cultivation of export crops and exploring new potential markets.
Today’s presentation provides information about current work and plans. One of the projects is the mobile application “Agrokoʻmakchi,” which provides useful information about plant protection, services in this field, and export advice.
The platform Asiaexport.se will connect local exporters with foreign buyers. It will contain information not only about fruit and vegetable products and dried fruits but also about juices, household goods, confectionery, textiles, leather products, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Information is also presented about the agency’s cooperation within the international innovation system ePhyto solution, which facilitates the exchange of phytosanitary certificates in electronic form with 119 countries. This year, it is planned to obtain phytosanitary permits for the export of 24 types of products to eight more countries.
As a result of these measures, agricultural product exports are planned to reach US$3.5 billion this year.
The Head of State emphasized the need to expand the production of export-oriented products and increase the awareness of farmers and dehkans.
We have a legal framework in this field, and we have reached agreements with many countries. However, exporters face difficulties in selling their products. Therefore, it is necessary to create a permanent platform for dialogue with exporters. Hokims should familiarize exporters with the products grown in the region, and ambassadors should be aware of the dynamics of demand and prices in foreign markets, said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The President paid special attention to the packaging of fruits and vegetables.
The packaging should comply with international standards and have a modern design. This way, we will have quality, a national brand, and added value. Therefore, it is necessary to teach exporters how to properly, carefully, and beautifully package goods, noted the Head of State.
The importance of a systematic approach to prevent the export of expired and low-quality products was emphasized. The President stated that a cluster system should be established in this area, ensuring consistency and high quality at all stages, from cultivation and fertilization to harvest and sorting.
The Cabinet of Ministers was instructed to develop a three-year program to improve this system and organize exports in a systematic manner. The significance of expanding international cooperation to target relatively high-value markets was emphasized.
The Head of State was briefed with the modern laboratory of the agency and gave instructions to enhance its scientific potential, adopt global scientific achievements, and swiftly implement them in relevant departments. Equipment and tools used in the agrochemical system were also demonstrated.
It was noted that highly effective entomophages (insects that prey on harmful insects) have been imported to combat pests. Manuals on cultivation, storage, packaging, and delivery of each product have been developed with the participation of experienced experts. Ten mobile laboratories have been established, and an additional ten will be organized in the regions this year.
Over 6,000 orchards, more than 3,000 vineyards and fields, and 344 packaging enterprises will be brought into compliance with international phytosanitary requirements. All processes related to pesticide handling will be digitized, putting an end to the import and illegal trade of substandard pesticides.
The President gave instructions to improve the qualifications of specialists in the field and ensure the accessibility of agency services to every farmer and small plot owner.