President Shavkat Mirziyoyev recently reviewed a presentation outlining strategies for the development of poultry farming and the optimal utilization of pastures on January 21. These sectors are vital in guaranteeing food security and the availability of food products. Due to favorable conditions and various projects, productivity levels have been consistently increasing. To continue and accelerate this growth, the goal for this year is to produce 1 million tons of poultry meat and 10.5 billion units of eggs, with a projected doubling of exports to $180 million.
In the livestock sector, 1,350 new projects are planned, with expected production of 3.2 million tons of meat and over 13 million tons of milk, 30% of which will be industrially processed. The presentation also included proposals for achieving these targets.
One of the key initiatives is the organization of primary breeding work for meat poultry selection in Uzbekistan, with the collaboration of foreign companies. Successful examples of poultry farming cooperation can be found in Andijan, Namangan, Samarkand, and Khorezm regions, where both the population and industry enterprises have thrived. To further support this effort, $50 million will be allocated.
Instructions were also given to financially rehabilitate and improve poultry enterprises that have temporarily ceased operations or are operating at reduced capacity. Additionally, pastures, which are a crucial source of livelihood, are currently underutilized. Challenges include undeveloped seed production for pasture crops, insufficient water sources and wells, and the lack of a digital tracking and leasing system for pastureland.
To address these challenges, it is proposed to transfer pasture management to the Committee for Veterinary and Livestock Development. An electronic map, “E-yaylov,” will be created to designate all pasture areas, including lands for livestock farming, crop cultivation, and geological exploration projects. Seven pasture management enterprises will be established in regions with the largest pastures, similar to forest management enterprises, to ensure the preservation and efficient use of these lands. These lands will be leased to the population for 30 years through auctions for livestock farming and the cultivation of pistachio and almond trees.
The President approved these initiatives and instructed responsible authorities to take measures to restore degraded pastures, construct additional wells, and develop seed production for pasture plants. Furthermore, a pilot project will be launched this year to manage the grazing of one million sheep on 500,000 hectares of pastureland.
The meeting also addressed financial support for livestock and poultry enterprises, with an emphasis on increasing employment opportunities and reducing poverty through the implementation of new projects and cooperative initiatives. The presentation concluded with a reminder of the importance of these sectors in ensuring food security and the availability of food products for the population.