The allocation of 200,000 hectares and the introduction of an additional 500,000 hectares of land into circulation helps maintain price stability in the domestic market of Uzbekistan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said during a videoconference with regional authorities.
To ensure food sufficiency in Uzbekistan, 35 types of food products are exempted from import duties until January 1, 2024. In addition, persons included in the social register will receive a refund of value added tax when purchasing meat from cattle, sheep and poultry, eggs and vegetable oil. It will help more than 2 million families.
President Mirziyoyev set the task of finding additional opportunities to increase food production and provide employment for people. “All conditions have been created for the procurement of food products. From now on, the allocation of additional land is impossible. Now it is necessary to increase productivity, using science and effective technologies, increasing labor productivity,” Mirziyoyev said.
The allocation of concessional loans last year, direct financing of the purchase of seeds, seedlings, fertilizers and finished products had a positive effect on food production. This year, 6.2 trillion soums ($563 million) will be allocated for these purposes.
The Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan will allocate $130 million directly to entrepreneurs. To do this, entrepreneurs will submit their projects for consideration through the transparent electronic platform of the ministry. 80% of the loan amount can be repaid in installments within 10 years. The loan will be more accessible due to the absence of a “bank surcharge”.
In addition, $200 million will be allocated for the production and processing of food products, attracted from the Japan International Cooperation Agency JIKA.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
March 27, 2023