Task set to restore nearly 4 million hectares of pastures by 2027

As noted in the presentation, our country has 21 million 255 thousand hectares of pastures, yet only 40 percent of them are used effectively. The head of state pointed out that fully harnessing this great potential is extremely important for ensuring our country's food security.

Tasks were set for organizing the implementation of the Presidential resolution recently signed on the effective use of pastures. Khokims were tasked with restoring and increasing the productivity of 620 thousand hectares of pastures by the end of this year and 3 million 700 thousand hectares next year. Within one month, together with the Agency for the Development of Livestock and Pasture Farming, they will approve comprehensive programs to reduce degraded areas by 10 percent this year and 20 percent next year.

In Navoi region, using 30 billion sums allocated from the local budget, the 'Kengsoy' pumping station has been reconstructed and 20 thousand hectares of pastures are being developed. Taking advantage of this opportunity, 11 entrepreneurs have begun building water reservoirs and introducing rain-irrigation technology. As a result, it will become possible to produce 250 thousand tons of feed per year for 60 thousand head of cattle in these areas.

In the Nishan district of Kashkadarya region, a pivot irrigation system has been introduced on 1 thousand 332 hectares of pastures, and new forage plants adapted to local conditions are being planted. It was instructed to replicate this experience in the Muborak and Dehqonobod districts, and also to establish a total of 9.4 thousand hectares of seed-growing areas within one year.

Financial resources have also been allocated to supply pastures with water. Funds received from pasture leases will remain at the disposal of regional pasture farms. Using these funds, an additional 448 wells will be drilled, and next year the water supply of 1.5 million hectares of pastures will be improved. By the end of the year, 1 thousand 600 wells will be repaired.

In addition, using 100 billion sums allocated from the budget, 161 irrigation facilities will be built this year and 81 each in 2027 and 2028 — 323 in total. This will make it possible to restore 969 thousand hectares of pastures.

The issue of formalizing the rights of livestock breeders who have been using pastures for many years was also considered. Currently, the authority of the relevant commission to formalize 623 thousand hectares of pastures, where 260 thousand head of livestock are being raised, in the name of the current users will be extended until the end of the year.

Public pastures will be established for residents of remote areas to graze the livestock kept in their households. By the end of the year, 627 thousand hectares of pastures will be leased free of charge for 49 years to 470 local communities. These areas will be exempt from taxes.