Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Karakalpakstan plans to establish new orchards covering 30,000 hectares and increase fruit exports to US$500 million within three years. Starting in 2027, a melon cultivation and processing complex will also be established in Nukus district, the press service of the President of Uzbekistan said.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting on the comprehensive development of Karakalpakstan, where measures were outlined to expand agricultural production, create jobs and increase the region’s export potential.
In horticulture, a three-year program will be developed to cultivate plums and apricots adapted to saline soils across 30,000 hectares. The president highlighted a 330-hectare industrial orchard established in Kegeyli district and instructed officials to begin creating similar complexes on 10,000 hectares.
Farmers and soil specialists from Andijan region have been invited to Karakalpakstan to implement the projects. Regional hokims will sign three-party agreements with the Horticulture Agency and the Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan on establishing new orchards.
Within two weeks, land plots are to be allocated for each district and provided with water supplies. By 1 October, seedlings of varieties suitable for the local climate are to be supplied. Housing is also planned to be built for the invited farmers and agronomists.
Each district has been instructed to plant 50 hectares of new orchards this year, with the areas to be expanded to the target level in spring 2027. The horticulture sector is expected to create jobs for 20,000 people.
Particular attention was also given to melon production. Starting next year, melon cultivation is planned on 10,000 hectares in Nukus district. Seeds of varieties from the United States, Spain, the Netherlands and China are to be imported for this purpose, while agricultural technology specialists will be involved.
A holding company for melon processing and exports is planned in the region with the participation of investors. The Nukus district technical school will specialize in melon cultivation and serve as an experience-sharing center for farmers from Karakalpakstan, Khorezm, Kashkadarya, Jizzakh and Syrdarya regions.
The meeting also reviewed measures to develop livestock and poultry farming. Lending for livestock projects is planned to be increased tenfold, while subsidies will be introduced for feed producers.
Within a month, 1,000 hectares of land will be allocated for breeding sheep and goats imported from Mongolia, Türkiye, China and Australia.
Projects covering 10,000-15,000 hectares are planned to be developed by the end of the year, while in 2027, grazing is to be organized for 100,000 small ruminants.
Officials were also tasked with increasing the capacity of a poultry farm recently opened in Kegeyli district by two to three times and transforming it into a holding company. Poultry farming courses are also planned to be opened in the district.
