President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has reviewed a presentation outlining strategic measures to prevent pasture degradation, enhance water supply, and ensure the efficient utilization of land resources across the country. Official reports indicated that while Uzbekistan possesses over 21.2 million hectares of pastureland, a mere 40 percent of these areas are currently being utilized effectively, highlighting systemic underutilization that directly impacts national food security.

To execute the recently signed presidential decree concerning sustainable pasture management, specific targets have been assigned to regional governors and the Livestock and Pasture Development Agency. Authorities are mandated to approve comprehensive programs aimed at reducing degraded areas by 10 percent this year and 20 percent next year. Furthermore, local administrations are tasked with restoring and increasing the productivity of 620,000 hectares by the end of this year, scaling up to 3.7 million hectares next year.

Practical initiatives are already underway in various regions, including the reconstruction of the Kengsoy pumping station in the Navoi region using local budget allocations, and the introduction of pivot irrigation systems in the Kashkadarya region. To secure sustainable financing for future infrastructure, revenues generated from pasture leases will remain at the disposal of regional pasture management entities, funding the drilling of hundreds of new wells and the repair of existing irrigation facilities.

The government also addressed the formalization of land rights for traditional herders who have long utilized these remote grazing areas. The mandate of a specialized commission tasked with legalizing 623,000 hectares of pasture currently sustaining livestock has been extended until the end of the year. Additionally, to support local populations in remote areas, 627,000 hectares of community pastureland will be allocated to 470 mahallas on a 49-year free lease basis, fully exempted from taxation.

Source: kun.uz