The Agency, operating under the Ministry of Agriculture, is a government body in quarantine, plant protection, and agrochemistry. Its activities include analyzing the soil composition, fertilizers, and agricultural products, combating harmful organisms, preventing their entry into the country and spreading, and ensuring the production of phytosanitary clean products.
In recent years, 7 new information systems have been introduced, and 40 areas have been digitalized. Thanks to the attraction of about $20 million in grant funds from international organizations and financial institutions, laboratories and equipment were updated. Through stationary and mobile laboratories, soil analysis was conducted on 1 million 40 thousand hectares. On this basis, scientifically based standards for using mineral fertilizers were determined and integrated into the “uzagrolab.uz” program. Farmers have improved the accuracy of their fields and orchards using data and recommendations from this program.
Such events are essential in ensuring the quality and safety of fruits and vegetables. To date, 620 phytosanitary permits have been received for the export of agricultural products to 80 countries. Within the framework of the “GSP+” system, 200 thousand hectares were brought into compliance with international requirements. In 2023, agricultural exports amounted to almost $2 billion. However, the export potential is much higher.
On January 18 this year, measures in vegetable and fruit growing were also identified at a videoconference on export and industry issues. In particular, the Agency for Quarantine and Plant Protection was tasked with organizing the cultivation of export crops and searching for new potential markets.
Today’s presentation provided information about current work and plans.
One of the projects is the “Agrokumakchi” mobile application, which provides helpful information about plant protection, services in this area, and export tips.
The Asiaexport.se platform will connect local exporters with foreign buyers. It will contain information not only about fruits, vegetables, and dried fruits but also about juices, household goods, confectionery, textiles, leather, and pharmaceutical products.
Information was also provided on the Agency’s cooperation within the framework of the international innovative system ePhyto solution, through which phytosanitary certificates are exchanged electronically with 119 countries. This year, phytosanitary permission to export 24 types of products to eight more countries is planned.
As a result of these decisions, this year, it is planned to increase the export of agricultural products by $3.5 billion.
The Head of state emphasized that expanding the production of export-oriented products and increasing farmers’ awareness are necessary to achieve this.
“There is a legal framework in this area, and we have reached agreements with many countries. However, exporters are finding it difficult to sell their products. Therefore, creating a permanent platform for dialogue with exporters is necessary. Hokims need to familiarize exporters with the products grown in the region and ambassadors with the dynamics of demand and prices in foreign markets”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.
The President paid particular attention to the packaging of fruits and vegetables.
“Packaging must comply with international standards and have a modern design. Then, there will be quality and a national brand, and the added value will be high. Therefore, it is necessary to teach exporters to pack goods correctly, carefully and beautifully”, the Head of state noted.
The importance of systematic work to prevent expired and low-quality products from entering export supplies was emphasized.
“There should also be a cluster system in this area. It is necessary to ensure consistency and high quality at all stages, from training to planting crops, fertilizing, harvesting, and sorting”, the President said.
The Cabinet of Ministers was instructed to develop a three-year program to improve this system and systematically organize exports. Enhancing international cooperation to target exports to relatively expensive markets was emphasized.
The Head of state got acquainted with the Agency’s modern laboratory. Instructions were given to increase the scientific potential of the laboratory, master world scientific achievements, and quickly implement them in the relevant agencies.
The machinery and equipment used in the agrochemical system were also demonstrated here.
It was noted that highly effective entomophages were imported from abroad to combat harmful insects. With the participation of experienced experts, guidelines have been developed for the cultivation, storage, packaging, and delivery of each product. 10 mobile laboratories have been created.
This year, 10 more mobile laboratories will be organized in the regions. Six thousand gardens, more than three thousand vineyards and fields, and 344 packaging plants will be brought into compliance with international phytosanitary requirements. All processes related to the circulation of pesticides will be digitalized, and the import and illegal trade of low-quality pesticides will be ended.
The President instructed on improving the skills of specialists in the sphere and ensuring the availability of the Agency’s services to every farmer and owner of a personal plot.
