Modern laboratories are being created for the innovative development of agriculture in Uzbekistan. The Sag Agro LLC laboratory is one of them.
The project worth $2.6 million was launched in 2019. The procurement of seedlings of fruit and ornamental trees of foreign varieties has been established.
Growing seedlings locally has two important effects. First, preventing the penetration and spread of various diseases through imported seedlings. Second, seedlings grown in a local laboratory will be several times cheaper than foreign ones. For example, if an imported walnut seedling costs between $5 and $20, a domestic one will cost $3-3.5.
A laboratory of agrochemistry and soil science is also organized here to study samples of soil, water and leaves. After studying the soil conditions of horticultural farms, scientists will suggest the most suitable seedlings.
24 hectares of land have been allocated for the in vitro complex. The laboratory occupies 0.24 hectares. A modern greenhouse has been created on 2 hectares. It is planned to build a new greenhouse on another 3 hectares. 65 types of fruit trees that do not grow in Uzbekistan will be grown on the remaining 18 hectares.
The annual production capacity of the laboratory allows growing from 15 million to 20 million rootstocks and grafted plants. Currently, seedlings of such trees as walnuts, almonds, peaches, cherries, apricots, pears, and apple trees are harvested here.
“This is a revolutionary way to create added value. We have been striving for this for thirty years. It is necessary to continue to apply a scientific approach to improve efficiency”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.
This year it is planned to grow 2 million seedlings of fruit and ornamental trees. By the end of the year, 500,000 walnut and almond rootstocks will also be harvested.
After the laboratory reaches full capacity in 2024, it will be possible to grow 20 million seedlings per year. It is planned to export the seedlings starting 2023. 140 new jobs have been created in this laboratory and the greenhouse.
The Head of the state talked with young specialists.
“Your intellect is our future. You can see for yourself what the requirements are now. As I said at the Youth Forum, knowledge is wealth that does not burn in fire, does not drown in water, which no one can take away from you. You should learn more. The one who works more on himself, learns, gains experience today, will surely achieve a result tomorrow”, the President said.
Projects related to the development of agriculture in the region were presented.
