Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The harvest season for fruits and vegetables is now underway across Uzbekistan, with particular focus on the Kashkadarya region, where watermelon picking and export activities are in full swing. Early indicators suggest that demand for this melon crop remains strong on international markets.

To date, approximately 3,000 tons of watermelons have been exported abroad. At the same time, fresh and ripe produce continues to be delivered to domestic markets, thanks to the efforts of diligent farmers and dehqons, particularly in the Kukdala district of Kashkadarya.

Kashkadarya-grown watermelons are highly popular for their natural sweetness, purity, and early ripening—factors that enhance their competitiveness. The increase in export volumes has been enabled by a well-organized system of sorting, packaging, logistics, and pre-shipment preparation.

Key export destinations include Kazakhstan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and the United Arab Emirates. The early ripening period gives the product a competitive edge in these markets.

To support the agricultural sector’s export potential, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, and regional khokimiyats are providing comprehensive assistance to local entrepreneurs. This includes support with logistics, veterinary and phytosanitary inspections, and export documentation procedures.

It is worth noting that in 2024, Uzbekistan set an ambitious goal to expand exports by increasing land allocated to export-oriented watermelon varieties, improving land use efficiency, and introducing modern agricultural technologies. The results in Kashkadarya demonstrate the positive impact of these measures.