President: Kashkadarya’s greatest untapped resource lies in its land

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated that the largest untapped reserve in the Kashkadarya region is its irrigated pasture and forest lands. He made this announcement on June 20 at a meeting focused on the region's comprehensive development priorities.

It was noted that Kashkadarya has 515,000 hectares of irrigated agricultural land and 45,000 hectares of household and horticultural land, ranking first in the country. Additionally, the region boasts 1.3 million hectares of pasture and forest land. According to the President, with such extensive land resources, it is possible to meet the nation's demand for meat fully.

Last year, the region’s agricultural sector produced goods worth 43 trillion soums.

“If these resources and potential are fully utilized based on scientific methods—if new agrotechnologies are introduced for seedlings, seeds, and crop planting, and if water- and energy-saving technologies are widely applied—this figure can easily reach 100 trillion soums in five years,” the President said.

To ensure effective use of the region’s 1.3 million hectares of pasture and forest land, a dedicated company will be established and granted the status of a joint-stock company. This entity will attract investment, bring unused land into circulation, and implement development projects.

An initial $100 million will be allocated to the company, which itself is expected to draw in an additional $500 million in investments. With these funds, the company will carry out irrigation, laser leveling, and introduce water-saving technologies on at least 200,000 hectares of pasture and forest land within two years.

In Miraki, 520 hectares of newly terraced vineyards, cherry, and apple orchards—capable of bearing fruit within four to five months—will serve as a methodological base for the new company.