President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited an agro-industrial orchard under development in the Chimyön neighborhood of Bostanlyk District, where a large-scale project is underway to expand horticulture and agricultural processing.
Bostanlyk is traditionally rich in water resources and fertile soils, creating conditions for the joint development of agriculture and tourism. The project covers 3,000 hectares in Chimyön and includes the cultivation of raspberries, blackcurrants, strawberries, and hazelnuts.
The total cost of the project exceeds US$60 million. It includes orchard establishment, processing facilities, and large storage units. At present, 50 hectares have already been planted with export-grade raspberry and strawberry varieties using drip irrigation systems. Yields from one hectare of raspberries are expected to generate about US$31,800, while strawberries are projected at about US$39,800 per hectare.
Upon completion, annual production is projected to reach 24,000 tons. A large share of the harvest, including hazelnuts and berries, will be exported. The orchards are expected to create over 12,000 jobs, providing local employment opportunities.
The head of state emphasized the importance of strengthening processing capacity and the need for modern practices, from crop variety selection and soil preparation to harvesting and sorting. He stated that this would ensure high-quality production and reinforce Uzbekistan's presence in export markets. He also noted that the development of such orchards would provide income locally and reduce migration for work to other regions.
The President instructed that other foothill and pasture areas should be assessed for the potential creation of similar agro-parks.
"In this orchard, you can see the labor and care invested in the land. The main outcome is income and benefits for the people. The returns here are many times higher compared to traditional crops. Therefore, it is important to train more people in berry cultivation and enable them to earn a decent income," said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Source: UZ Daily