Mirziyoyev Orders Review of Meat Supply After Price Rise

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has ordered a review of meat production, consumption and supply across Uzbekistan's regions following an increase in meat prices. He made the announcement on 21 July during a videoconference meeting on the country's socio-economic performance in the first half of the year and priorities through the end of 2026.

According to figures presented at the meeting, meat prices in Uzbekistan rose by 6–8% between April and June. To reduce the cost of importing meat, the government allocated 300 billion soums to compensate air freight expenses.

Entrepreneurs from Tashkent and Tashkent Region have already imported 1,300 tonnes of meat by air. Mirziyoyev said other regions had not shown sufficient initiative in organizing additional supplies.

The president instructed regional governors and relevant officials to analyze meat consumption and supply in each region and prepare detailed plans covering import volumes, delivery schedules and countries of origin.

The meeting also reviewed the results of the agricultural census, which revealed discrepancies between previously published and actual livestock figures. According to the updated data, the number of cattle was 2.1 million head lower than previously reported, while the number of sheep and goats was 1.5 million head lower.

In Kashkadarya Region, the revised figures showed a reduction of 171,000 head of cattle and 288,000 sheep and goats compared with previously recorded numbers. According to the assessment presented at the meeting, the revised statistics will reduce market supply by about 50,000 tonnes of meat and 120 million litres of milk.

To support livestock development, 1 trillion soums was allocated from the Agriculture Fund in May. In addition, another US$50 million is planned to be provided from the Reconstruction and Development Fund.

The funds will be used to provide concessional loans for livestock projects. Entrepreneurs will be able to obtain loans at an annual interest rate of 10% for up to 10 years, including a four-year grace period. Loans of up to 5 billion soums will be available for establishing livestock complexes, while up to 20 billion soums will be provided for breeding livestock projects.

By the end of the year, Uzbekistan plans to import 100,000 head of cattle and 150,000 sheep and goats to increase the supply of meat products.

The government will also extend compensation for air freight costs on imported meat until the end of 2026.