Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - On 4 November 2021, a meeting of the Senate Committee of the Oliy Majlis on agrarian, water management and ecology was held. 

It was attended by deputies of the Jokargy Kenes of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, heads and representatives of the Cabinet of Ministers, relevant ministries and departments.

The meeting heard information from the Agency for the Regulation of the Alcohol and Tobacco Market and the Development of Winemaking on the work done to organize the cultivation of grapes and the development of its industrial processing.

It was noted that a certain amount of work has been done on the cultivation of grapes, its industrial processing and development.

In particular, new vineyards corresponding to industrial processing have been planted on an area of 10,700 hectares, of which a drip irrigation system has been introduced on 2,964 hectares.

From the State budget through the Agency for Regulation of the Alcohol and Tobacco Market and Development of Winemaking (hereinafter referred to as the Agency) in 2020, subsidies in the amount of 33.4 billion soums were allocated for the introduction of a drip irrigation system for new vineyards and artesian wells, and for 9 months of 2021, 9 billion soums.

In order to create an Uzbek national brand, 110 trademarks and national names of products were patented, and the production of wine products from 8 types of fruits and berries was established.

For nine months of this year, in order to increase exports and expand its geography, products worth US$38.8 million were exported.

However, despite the work done, systemic problems remain on the ground.

New vineyards have not been created in the republic and vineyards unusable for use have not been renovated.

The agency issued conclusions on the basis of current legislative acts without observing licensing procedures.

Today, the consumption of nicotine snus is becoming more and more popular among teenagers. During raids in general education schools, it turned out that these products were used by schoolchildren. The participants emphasized the need to develop a regulatory legal act aimed at preventing this problem.

An appropriate decision of the Committee was made on the issues considered.