On February 9, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation outlining proposals for the development of new agricultural lands and modernization of agricultural science.
Over the past five years, 826,500 hectares of land have been brought into agricultural circulation through irrigation and land reclamation projects. Of these, 409,000 hectares are irrigated lands, while 418,000 hectares were developed through the use of groundwater resources and water-saving technologies on rain-fed and pasture territories.
By 2030, an additional 938,000 hectares of pastureland are planned to be rehabilitated and improved. In 2026–2027 alone, 620,000 hectares are scheduled for restoration, including:
300,000 hectares to be planted with pasture crops;
130,000 hectares to be equipped with water wells.
These measures will create grazing capacity for 960,000 head of small livestock, while increasing meat and wool production.
A key reform involves the modernization of the institutional infrastructure of agricultural science. It is proposed to consolidate 22 research centers, 260 laboratories, and more than 2,500 scientists into a unified structure — the Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
Priority areas for the Academy will include biotechnology and molecular biology, genetic engineering and hybrid seed production, smart and digital agriculture, drone and space technologies, land degradation and soil health, organic farming, food security, and veterinary science.
Special attention is being given to workforce development. Although 13,600 students are currently enrolled at Tashkent State Agrarian University, only 55 percent of graduates work in their field of specialization. To address this gap:
6,800 students will undertake internships at production enterprises and agro-clusters;
more than 2,600 students will train at 22 research institutes under the Ministry of Agriculture;
the duration of study in seven programs will be reduced from four to three years;
students will also receive training in operating agricultural machinery and agricultural drones.
In 2025, intensive and industrial orchards and vineyards were established on 44,000 hectares of previously underutilized land, creating 37,000 jobs. From 2027 onward, these plantations are expected to generate exports of fruit and vegetable products worth up to $660 million annually.
In 2026, plans include the establishment of 25,500 hectares of new orchards and 5,000 hectares of vineyards, creating approximately 48,000 permanent and seasonal jobs.
It was also noted that the country imports seedlings worth $60 million annually, despite having the capacity for domestic production. A collection of more than 200 virus-free, high-yield mother varieties has already been developed. Specialized in vitro laboratory and nursery complexes are being constructed in the Bektemir and Yukorichirchik districts, with an annual production capacity of 27 million seedlings.
Following the presentation, the President issued relevant instructions to responsible authorities for the implementation of the proposed measures.
📌 Source: Official website of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
