President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting on the development of the fruit, vegetable and food industries.
In 2023, agriculture in our country grew by 4.1%. The export of the sector amounted to almost US$2 billion. However, the export potential of the industry is far from exhausted.
During the videoconferencing on exports and industry held on the 18th of January, the Head of State defined the tasks for the fruit and vegetable industry. In particular, the Agency for Plant Quarantine and Protection is responsible for finding new potential markets and organizing the procurement of export-oriented products.
The agency carries out systematic work to protect plants from harmful organisms, cultivate phytosanitary clean products and ensure food safety. For example, stationary and mobile laboratories in the regions have analyzed the soil of 1 million 40 thousand hectares and established the scientifically based standard for the use of mineral fertilizers. Seven new information systems have been introduced and 40 procedures in the field have been digitalized.
Grants from international organizations and financial institutions have been attracted to the tune of some US$20 million, and laboratories and equipment have been upgraded. Chemical treatment of fields and orchards, as well as expertise in exporting and importing products, continues consistently.
These measures are an important factor in the quality and safety of fruit and vegetable products. In recent years, 620 phytosanitary permits have been obtained for the export of agricultural products to 80 countries, and an electronic data exchange has been established. Under the GSP+ system, 200 thousand hectares of land have been brought into line with international requirements.
The tasks to be carried out this year were discussed at the meeting.
Responsible officials reported on the possibility of increasing agricultural exports to US$3.5 billion this year by expanding the scope of work in the industry.
This will be achieved by increasing the production of fruits, vegetables, melons, grapes and pulses. A further 20 mobile laboratories will be set up in the regions and integrated into the “uzagrolab.uz” electronic platform. All processes related to the sale of pesticides will be digitized, and the import and illegal trade of substandard pesticides will be banned.
In accordance with international phytosanitary standards, 6,000 orchards, more than 3,000 vineyards and fields, and 344 packaging plants will be brought into compliance. Highly effective entomophages will be introduced and a new form of biological pest control will be put in place.
Exports will be directed to higher value markets as part of increased international cooperation. Phytosanitary approvals will be obtained from a further 8 countries. The participation of domestic exporters in international exhibitions specialising in fruit and vegetable products will be expanded and a portfolio of firm orders will be created. Modern infrastructure for the export of fruit and vegetable products will be created at the international airports of Fergana, Samarkand and Tashkent.
Based on international experience, the qualification of phytosanitary staff will be improved. Guidelines for growing, storing, packing and transporting each type of product will be developed with the help of international experts.
The Head of State gave additional instructions to ensure food security and the production of export-oriented products.