Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has reviewed modern agricultural technologies introduced at an industrial-type intensive orchard run by the ADM Agro enterprise in the Kegeyli district of Karakalpakstan, the presidential press service said.
The project is being implemented against the backdrop of the difficult climatic conditions of the Aral region and provides for the development of horticulture, product processing and the creation of jobs.
ADM Group, which produces cars in the Jizzakh region, is developing intensive horticulture as one of its new areas of diversified activity. The project in Karakalpakstan is valued at 55 billion soums.
The orchard's total area is 330 hectares. The project has created 300 jobs for the local population.
Thanks to this, rural residents have gained the opportunity to work close to home and have a permanent source of income.
At present, 250,000 black plum saplings selected in the United States have been planted on 69 hectares. The variety used is resistant to saline soils and begins to bear fruit two years after planting. The yield of a single tree can reach 50–60 kg.
The large fruit and easily separated stone make this variety convenient for subsequent processing. To make more efficient use of the land, high-yield tomato varieties are also grown between the trees. An average of 40–45 tonnes of produce is planned to be obtained from one hectare.
Particular attention in the project is given to the rational use of water resources. Closed drainage and drip irrigation systems have been installed in the orchard. While traditional irrigation requires about 12,000 litres of water per hectare, use of the new system cuts consumption to 5,000 litres. This makes it possible to save up to 60 percent of water.
Water is supplied directly to the roots of the plants, which reduces its wasteful use. Fertiliser is applied together with the water, and up to 90 percent of it is absorbed by the plants. Even maintenance of soil moisture also helps to increase yields.
The system is fully automated, so one operator can manage an area of several hundred hectares.
Equipment for drying and processing fruit immediately after harvest has been installed on the orchard's territory. According to the data presented, such processing makes it possible to significantly increase the value of the finished product.
Export agreements have already been concluded for the produce with China, South Korea and Russia.
It was noted that the experience gained from implementing the project in the Kegeyli district is planned to be extended to other territories of Karakalpakstan. In the region, the area of intensive orchards is expected to be brought to 10,000 hectares and 40,000 permanent and seasonal jobs created.
During his visit to the orchard, the head of state also spoke with farmers. They noted the reforms being carried out in the country and expressed gratitude for the attention given to the development of Karakalpakstan.
