Karakalpakstan plans to establish 30,000 hectares of new orchards and increase fruit exports to US$500 million within three years, according to the press service of the President of Uzbekistan.

A three-year horticulture program will focus on plums and apricots adapted to saline soils. Following the establishment of a 330-hectare industrial orchard in Kegeyli district, similar complexes are planned across 10,000 hectares. Each district has been instructed to plant 50 hectares of orchards this year, with the area to be expanded towards the target in spring 2027.

Farmers and soil specialists from the Andijan region will participate in the projects. Land plots are to be allocated and provided with water supplies, while seedlings of varieties suited to the local climate are scheduled to be supplied by 1 October. The horticulture expansion is expected to create jobs for 20,000 people.

Melon cultivation is also set to expand. Starting in 2027, 10,000 hectares of melons are planned in Nukus district, using seeds of varieties imported from the United States, Spain, the Netherlands, and China. Agricultural technology specialists will also be involved.

A holding company for melon processing and exports is planned with investor participation. The Nukus district technical school will specialize in melon cultivation and serve as an experience-sharing center for growers from Karakalpakstan, Khorezm, Kashkadarya, Jizzakh, and Syrdarya regions.

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com