Uzbekistan launches 30,000-hectare orchard program in Karakalpakstan

September 19, 2026 at 05:14 PM1 min

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Uzbekistan announced a three-year program to establish 30,000 hectares of salt-tolerant plum and late apricot orchards in Karakalpakstan. Work on the first 10,000 hectares begins this year, with regional governors responsible for creating orchards of 500 and 1,000 hectares. The program aims to employ 20,000 people and raise fruit exports to at least $500 million within three years.

Key Facts

The program covers 30,000 hectares of salt-tolerant plum and late apricot orchards in Karakalpakstan over three years.
Work on 10,000 hectares begins this year, with regional governors responsible for 500- and 1,000-hectare orchards.
The Horticulture Agency will present climate-adapted seedling varieties and planting technologies by October 1.
The program aims to employ 20,000 people and raise fruit exports to at least $500 million within three years.

Program Launch

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting in Nukus on the socio-economic development of Karakalpakstan. The president inspected a 330-hectare industrialized orchard being created on saline land in Kegeyli district. A three-year program will establish 30,000 hectares of salt-tolerant plum and late apricot plantations. Specialists and farmers from Andijan have arrived in Kegeyli to begin work.

Implementation and Targets

Tripartite agreements will be signed between the Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan, regional governors, and the Horticulture Agency. Within two weeks, land will be allocated for each region and guaranteed water supply will be established. The agency will present climate-adapted seedling varieties and planting technologies by October 1. Regional governors will attract master farmers and agronomists and build housing for them. Each district will establish 50 hectares of orchard this year, with the remaining areas planted in spring.

Economic Goals

Processing capacities will be established on-site. The program aims to employ 20,000 people in horticulture. Fruit exports are targeted to reach at least $500 million within three years.