Greenhouses in Uzbekistan are on the brink of disaster – an expert

The renowned Uzbek economist, Yuliy Yusupov, has broached a challenging subject concerning "greenhouse workers" in Uzbekistan—the country's transition from gas to coal. He believes that greenhouse farms in Uzbekistan are teetering on the edge of extinction.

The expert reveals that there are currently more than 6,000 greenhouses in operation across Uzbekistan, covering an area of 5,200 hectares. These greenhouses yield products with a total value of 600 million dollars, 300 million of which is earmarked for export. Over 35 thousand people are employed in this industry.

Yusupov states, "Today, the primary issue facing this industry is the inexplicable desire of our officials to switch greenhouse owners from gas to coal. In reality, 'greenhouse workers' account for only 1% of the gas consumed in the country. They have been paying for gas, continue to pay, and are willing to pay even at the highest rates."

The expert goes on to warn that the shift to coal could render many production facilities unprofitable and lead to their closure. Furthermore, investing in coal-fired equipment would saddle the industry with significant debt.

The author points out that the loans extended to greenhouse owners were allocated under duress from these officials and were accompanied by numerous promises.

The economist poses a crucial question: "Why are the officials so determined to undermine the industry and potentially trigger a financial crisis through bad loans?"

He also reminds us of a previous incident where corruption was exposed due to the connection of greenhouses to gas a few years ago. Attempts to cut off the gas last year were met with resistance, and a similar situation is now unfolding, according to Yuliy Yusupov.

It is worth recalling that on August 11 of this year, during a video conference chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Bukhara, it was announced that a package of state incentives would be introduced for greenhouses in Uzbekistan that operate using coal fuel.