On June 11, Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed proposals aimed at developing the fish farming industry and supporting entrepreneurs, the presidential press service reported.
It was noted that aquaculture is growing worldwide, with the volume of artificially farmed fish exceeding wild catch for the first time. Despite limited water resources, Uzbekistan leads Central Asia in fish farming, producing 206,000 tons in 2025. However, rising population is increasing demand for protein products.
Currently, intensive fish farming accounts for less than 20% of total production. Full utilization of existing potential could increase output fivefold. The president stressed the need to shift from traditional pond fishing to water-saving, recirculating intensive technologies.
According to the presentation, a new transparent system will be introduced for leasing 329 natural water bodies and reservoirs, along with 163,000 hectares of surrounding land. Annual guaranteed water supply for intensive and breeding farms will be ensured. A range of state incentives and subsidies are planned to attract new technologies.
These measures aim to boost fish production to over 500,000 tons next year. Mirziyoyev emphasized improving breeds of carp, catfish, trout, and sturgeon, and adapting them to local climate. From next year, capacities for trout and sturgeon farming will be created in foothill areas.
Specifically, an experimental site for the Fisheries Research Institute will be established on the Akhangaran River. Foreign grants will be sought to create a national carp breed. A proposal to open a joint faculty at Tashkent State Agrarian University with Astrakhan State Technical University (Russia) and Dalian Ocean University (China) was considered.
To ensure transparency, a unified electronic platform will be created, integrating data on water use, land plots, illegal fishing, taxes, and catch. Artificial intelligence technologies will be introduced to reduce costs and increase productivity.
The president approved the proposals and gave specific instructions to officials to deliver affordable, high-quality fish products to the population.
Source: www.gazeta.uz