Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Trial saffron planting has begun on new land plots in Bakhmal district of Jizzakh region as part of efforts to expand the BMB ZA'FARON plantations from 820 to 900 hectares, Uzbekistan's Ministry of Agriculture said.
A press tour of the plantations was held on 4 October.
Representatives of the media and the public were introduced to the saffron planting process, the development of new land plots and prospects for the further expansion of the project.
As part of the event, saffron bulbs were planted on the new plots. Media representatives were also briefed on planting and cultivation technologies, yields, processing and export destinations.
The press tour was attended by Bekzod Mamatkulov, chairman of the Board of Founders of BMB Holding, and Roberto Tucci, president of Italy's HT Holding and a foreign partner and investor.
The sides discussed the further development of investment cooperation between Uzbekistan and Italy, the introduction of foreign expertise and the promotion of Uzbek saffron on international markets.
The company said that over the past two years, saffron bulbs grown directly on local plantations, rather than imported from abroad, have been used to expand the plantations.
Saffron grown under the BMB ZA'FARON brand and more than 20 products made from it are currently exported to Italy, Austria, the Netherlands, France, the United States, Tajikistan, Saudi Arabia and other countries.
The project is also creating jobs in the region.
According to the organizers, about 30,000 local residents have been provided with seasonal employment, while more than 500 people have received permanent jobs.
