The issues of increasing agricultural exports are considered

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting on the development of the fruit and vegetable and food industries.

In 2023, agriculture in our country grew by 4.1 percent. Industry exports amounted to almost $2 billion. But the export potential of the sphere is far from being exhausted.

At the video conference on export and industry held on January 18, the head of our state also identified tasks for the fruit and vegetable industry. In particular, the Plant Protection Agency is responsible for finding new potential markets and organizing the procurement of export-oriented products.

The Agency carries out systematic work to protect plants from harmful organisms, grow phytosanitary products, and ensure food safety. In particular, stationary and mobile laboratories in the regions analyzed the soil of 1 million 40 thousand hectares of land, determined a scientifically based rate of application of mineral fertilizers. 7 new information systems have been introduced in the field and 40 procedures have been digitalized.

About $20 million in grants from international organizations and financial institutions were attracted, laboratories and equipment were updated. The chemical treatment of fields and gardens, the examination of export and import products are consistently continued.

Such measures are an important factor in the quality and safety of fruit and vegetable products. In recent years, 620 phytosanitary permits have been obtained for the export of agricultural products to 80 countries of the world, and electronic data exchange has been established with them. Within the framework of the GSP+ system, 200,000 hectares of land have been brought into line with international requirements.

The meeting discussed the tasks to be implemented this year.

The officials reported on the possibility of bringing agricultural exports to $ 3.5 billion this year, expanding the scope of work carried out in the field.

To do this, first of all, the production of fruits and vegetables, melons, grapes and legumes will be increased. Another 20 mobile laboratories will be created in the regions and integrated into the electronic platform "uzagrolab.uz ". All processes related to the turnover of pesticides will be digitalized, and the import and illegal trade of low-quality pesticides will be prohibited.

6,000 orchards, more than 3,000 vineyards and fields, and 344 packaging enterprises will be brought into line with foreign phytosanitary requirements. Highly effective entomophages will be introduced and a new type of biological pest control will be launched.

As part of the strengthening of international cooperation, exports will be focused on more expensive markets. Phytosanitary permits will be obtained from 8 more countries. The participation of domestic exporters in international exhibitions specializing in fruit and vegetable products will expand, and a portfolio of firm orders will be formed. A modern infrastructure for the export of fruits and vegetables will be created on the territory of the international airports of Ferghana, Samarkand and Tashkent.

On the basis of foreign experience, the qualifications of plant protection workers will be improved. With the involvement of international experts, guidelines for the cultivation, storage, packaging and transportation of each type of product will be developed.

The Head of State gave additional instructions on ensuring food security and the production of export-oriented products.