Expansion of lemon cultivation planned in Uzbekistan using energy-saving greenhouses

Uzbekistan intends to significantly increase fish production volumes, bringing the annual figure to one million tons. To achieve this goal, modern aquaculture enterprises will be established in various regions, and infrastructure for processing and warehouse construction will also be developed.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the submitted projects concerning the development of fish farming. One such project is the implementation in the Balykchin district, where irrigation wells are planned to be used for fish cultivation.

Specialized complexes are planned to be built around twenty-four wells. These facilities will cover the entire production cycle: from growing fry and preparing the feed base to subsequent processing, storage, and sale of fish. The area of each such complex will be fifty acres, and each facility is expected to produce at least thirty tons of trout annually and create ten jobs.

It is planned that the experience gained will be scaled up to other territories of the country. By March 1, 2027, state bodies will inspect more than four thousand irrigation wells across the country. Facilities deemed suitable for fish farming will be transferred to private entrepreneurs based on public-private partnerships.

Additionally, initiatives are being considered for cultivating and processing cold-water fish in Khanabad, as well as developing fish farms on the reservoirs of Ulugnor. To effectively coordinate all new projects, it is proposed to establish a specialized fisheries holding.

The state commits to providing financial support for these projects and covering the costs of training local residents in modern fish breeding methods. Previously, the creation of a Fish Farming Development Center was announced, which will oversee the industry, allowing fish farms to pre-approve water usage limits for the season.

Innovative startup parks are planned for creation in various regions of Uzbekistan. These venues are intended for entrepreneurs, allowing them to develop their projects, integrate scientific developments, and bring new products to the market.

The activities of the new centers will be carried out under the auspices of the Agency for Innovation Development of the Ministry of Education and Science. Startups located in the parks will receive comprehensive support, including access to necessary infrastructure, legal and financial resources, as well as marketing consultations.

The main focus will be on incubation and acceleration programs, whose goal is to transform promising concepts into full-fledged commercial enterprises. Furthermore, the parks will facilitate the process of product certification and registration, ensure intellectual property protection, and assist in promoting goods both domestically and internationally. Entrepreneurs will also be able to participate in exhibitions held both within and outside Uzbekistan.

The determination of locations for these parks has been entrusted to the hokimiyats of Karakalpakstan, the regions, and the capital itself. It is planned that production premises will be leased through electronic auctions. The financial base for this project will be formed from rental income, grants, and other legal sources.

It was previously announced that specialized spin-off companies can be established in state technical schools of Uzbekistan for the commercialization and launch of promising ideas developed by students. For the implementation of one such startup, there is the possibility of receiving a grant of up to 1 billion soms.

On October 8, the Minister of Uzbekistan for Investment, Industry, and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, met with Vladimir Gugushvili, CEO of the Georgian company Georgia's Natural. The goal of the negotiations was to discuss prospects for joint ventures in the food industry.

The main focus of the conversation was on fruit and berry processing, as well as establishing production of natural and organic juices in Uzbekistan. Additionally, the participants discussed opportunities to attract investment into this sector.

The parties also reviewed the potential of Uzbekistan's agricultural sector and the domestic market for developing common initiatives in the food industry. At the end of the meeting, an agreement was reached on the further development of promising projects and the expansion of practical cooperation in the discussed areas.