As part of his visit to the Surkhandarya region, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev familiarized himself with the work of the “Homestead Farming School” in Termiz district.
The Head of state first reviewed a presentation on domestically produced machinery and equipment for water management.
It was noted that domestic production of water-saving technologies and modern irrigation systems will reduce costs, ensure the rational use of water resources amid climate change, and effectively meet the needs of farmers and the population.
The President emphasized the need to pay even more attention to this area and strengthen scientific cooperation.
The “Homestead Farming School” specializes in teaching the population how to effectively use their own household plots, introduce high-yield crops, and apply modern methods of processing, storing, and packaging produce. The institution operates with financial support from banks.
Most importantly, it provides assistance in creating a stable source of income for unemployed and low-income families. A practical approach is used to teach the scientific fundamentals of agriculture, techniques for growing high-yield crops, and modern methods of household farming.
The innovative school operates across the districts of Termez, Muzrabad, Kyzyryk, Bandykhan, Angor and Jarkurgan. The complex comprises an academic building, a greenhouse and a three-hectare training and experimental plot.
Bananas, papayas, rosemary, lavender, lemons, figs, broccoli, bell peppers, and other crops adapted to the conditions of the Surkhandarya region are grown in the greenhouse. In addition, the cultivation of tree and flower seedlings has been established, and a drip irrigation system has been introduced.
The school teaches the practice of harvesting three crops a year in the conditions of the Surkhandarya region. Scientists, specialists, and experienced farmers are involved in the educational process.
To date, approximately 1,300 unemployed citizens and members of low-income families have completed specialized courses and become self-employed, effectively utilizing their own or leased land plots. Each month, assistants to district khokims refer around 220 household and leasehold landowners for training, amounting to up to 2,700 participants annually. Tuition costs are covered through a referral or voucher-based mechanism.
As part of the course, participants are practically shown the method of growing high-yield crops and earning an average income of 10-15 million soums from one hundred square meters of land. The Agrostar company supplies seeds and seedlings and facilitates the procurement of harvested produce.
The Head of state reviewed the practice of three harvests from a household plot, examined presentation on industrialized orchards and water-saving technologies at the school, and also held discussions with entrepreneurs involved in the processing and export of fruits and vegetables. He underscored the importance of expanding processing capacities, increasing added value, and introducing new crop varieties to the region, including citrus and tropical fruits.