They aim to increase agricultural product exports to $3.5 billion.

According to a report from the Presidential press service, Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Agency for Quarantine and Plant Protection on March 18.

During the visit, he reviewed the planned activities in this field.

The agency, operating under the Ministry of Agriculture, is a government body responsible for quarantine and plant protection as well as agrochemicals. Its responsibilities include analyzing soil, fertilizers, and agricultural products, combating harmful organisms, preventing their entry and spread within the country, and ensuring the production of phytosanitary clean products.

In recent years, 7 new information systems have been implemented in this sector, and 40 areas have been digitized. With the attraction of around $20 million in grant funds from international organizations and financial institutions, laboratories and equipment have been upgraded. Soil analysis has been conducted over an area of 1 million 40 thousand hectares through stationary and mobile laboratories, leading to scientifically substantiated norms for the application of mineral fertilizers, which have been integrated into the program “uzagrolab.uz.” By utilizing data and recommendations from this program, farmers have improved the precision of field and garden treatments.

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To date, 620 phytosanitary permits have been obtained for the export of agricultural products to 80 countries. Under the "GSP+" system, 200 thousand hectares have been aligned with international requirements. In 2023, exports in the agricultural sector reached nearly $2 billion. However, the export potential is significantly higher.

On January 18 of this year, measures related to vegetable and fruit growing were also determined during a video conference meeting on export and industry issues. In particular, the Agency for Quarantine and Plant Protection was tasked with organizing the cultivation of export crops and seeking new potential markets.

• One of the projects is the mobile application “Agrokўmakchi,” which provides useful information on plant protection, services in this area, and export advice.
• The Asiaexport.se platform will connect local exporters with foreign buyers. It will include information not only on fruits and vegetables and dried fruits but also on juices, household goods, confectionery, textiles, leather products, and pharmaceuticals.
• Information has also been presented regarding the agency's collaboration within the international innovative ePhyto solution system, through which electronic phytosanitary certificates are exchanged with 119 countries. This year, it is planned to obtain phytosanitary permits for the export of 24 types of products to eight more countries.

As a result of these decisions, it is planned to increase agricultural product exports to $3.5 billion this year.

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The head of state emphasized that it is essential to expand the production of export-oriented products and enhance the awareness of farmers and dehkan.

“In this area, there is a legal framework, and we have reached agreements with many countries. However, exporters find it challenging to sell their products. Therefore, it is necessary to create a permanent platform for dialogue with exporters. Hokims must familiarize exporters with the products grown in the region, while ambassadors should provide insights into demand dynamics and prices in foreign markets,” said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The President paid special attention to the packaging of fruits and vegetables.

“Packaging must meet international standards and have a modern design. This will ensure quality, establish a national brand, and enhance added value. Thus, it is necessary to educate exporters on how to package goods correctly, neatly, and attractively,” noted the head of state.

The importance of a systematic approach to prevent the inclusion of expired and substandard products in export shipments was emphasized.

“There should also be a cluster system in this area. It is essential to ensure coherence and high quality at all stages, from training to planting crops, fertilizing, harvesting, and sorting,” said the President.

The Cabinet of Ministers has been tasked with developing a three-year program to improve this system and systematically organize exports. The significance of expanding international cooperation to target exports towards relatively high-value markets was highlighted.

The head of state was briefed on the modern laboratory of the agency. Instructions were given to enhance the scientific capacity of the laboratory, assimilate global scientific achievements, and quickly implement them in the relevant departments.

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Here, the equipment and machinery used in the agrochemical system were also demonstrated.

It was noted that highly effective entomophagous insects have been imported from abroad to combat harmful insects. Guides on cultivation, storage, packaging, and delivery of each product have been developed with the participation of experienced experts. Ten mobile laboratories have been established.

This year, an additional 10 mobile laboratories will be organized in the regions. 6,000 orchards, over 3,000 vineyards and fields, and 344 packaging enterprises will be brought into compliance with international phytosanitary requirements. All processes related to pesticide handling will be digitized, putting an end to the import and illegal trade of substandard pesticides.

The President has instructed to enhance the qualifications of specialists in the sector and ensure that the agency's services are accessible to every farmer and homeowner.