President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced a three-year program to establish plantations of salt-tolerant plum and late apricot in Karakalpakstan during a meeting in Nukus. The program envisages the creation of orchards on 30,000 hectares. This decision aims to boost the agricultural potential of the region.
The head of state noted that he inspected an industrial orchard being established on 330 hectares of saline land in the Kegeyli district. Under the new program, work on 10,000 hectares will begin this year. Regional governors have been tasked with creating orchards ranging from 500 to 1,000 hectares. Land management specialists and experienced farmers from Andijan have already arrived in the Kegeyli district and started working.
Trilateral agreements will be signed between the Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan, regional administrations, and the Horticulture Agency. Within two weeks, land will be allocated for each plot and guaranteed water supply will be provided. The agency will present climate-adapted seedling varieties and planting technologies by October 1. Regional governors must attract skilled farmers and agronomists, providing them with housing. Orchards of 50 hectares in each district will be established this year, and the remaining areas in spring. Processing facilities will also be built next to the orchards.
The project aims to employ 20,000 people in horticulture and increase fruit exports to at least $500 million within three years. This is crucial for economic growth and employment.
Furthermore, starting next spring, melon cultivation will begin on 10,000 hectares in the Nukus district. By the end of the year, the task is to bring the best melon varieties, seed production, and agro-technology specialists from Spain, the USA, the Netherlands, and China. A holding company will be established with the involvement of potential investors to process and export melons locally.
A vocational college in the Nukus district will be adapted for melon growing and equipped with a laboratory and testing ground. This institution will become a methodological center for experience exchange for melon growers in Karakalpakstan, Khorezm, Jizzakh, Kashkadarya, and Syrdarya.
Source: www.gazeta.uz