13.10.2026

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on measures to prevent pasture degradation, improve water supply and ensure the effective use of pastureland.

Uzbekistan has 21.255 million hectares of pastureland, but only 40 per cent is being used effectively. The Head of State emphasised the importance of making full use of this significant resource to strengthen the country’s food security.

The presentation outlined measures to implement the recently signed Presidential Resolution on the effective use of pastureland. Regional governors were tasked with restoring and improving the productivity of 620,000 hectares of pastureland by the end of this year and 3.7 million hectares next year. Within one month, they will work with the Livestock and Pasture Development Agency to approve comprehensive programmes aimed at reducing degraded pastureland by 10 per cent this year and 20 per cent next year.

In Navoi region, the Kengsoy pumping station is being reconstructed using 30 billion soums allocated from the local budget, enabling the development of 20,000 hectares of pastureland. Taking advantage of this opportunity, 11 entrepreneurs have begun constructing water reservoirs and introducing sprinkler irrigation technologies. As a result, these areas will be able to produce 250,000 tonnes of fodder annually for 60,000 head of cattle.

In Nishon district of Kashkadarya region, pivot irrigation systems are being introduced across 1,332 hectares of pastureland, alongside the cultivation of new fodder crops adapted to local conditions. Instructions were given to extend this experience to Muborak and Dehkanabad districts and establish a total of 9,400 hectares of seed production areas within one year.

Financial resources have also been identified to improve water supply to pastureland. Revenue from pasture leases will remain at the disposal of regional pasture management organisations. These funds will be used to drill an additional 448 wells, improving water supply across 1.5 million hectares of pastureland next year. A further 1,600 wells will be repaired by the end of this year.

In addition, 323 irrigation facilities will be constructed using 100 billion soums allocated from the state budget, including 161 this year and 81 in each of 2027 and 2028. This will enable the restoration of 969,000 hectares of pastureland.

The presentation also addressed the formalisation of land-use rights for livestock farmers who have used pastureland for many years. The mandate of the relevant commission will be extended until the end of the year to formalise the rights of existing users to 623,000 hectares of pastureland currently supporting 260,000 head of livestock.

Community pastures will be established to allow residents in remote areas to graze their household livestock. By the end of this year, 627,000 hectares of pastureland will be leased free of charge to 470 mahallas for 49 years. These areas will be exempt from taxation.

Under the new framework, livestock complexes may be built on pastureland without changing its land classification. The starting price of land plots and land tax will be calculated on the same basis as agricultural land. Plans have been approved to construct 15 livestock complexes across a total of 130 hectares in Navoi, Samarkand and Surkhandarya regions, with capacity for more than 55,000 head of livestock.

The importance of using pastureland not only for livestock production but also for ecotourism, beekeeping, medicinal plant cultivation, seedling production, hunting and sericulture was also highlighted. Pastureland will therefore be available for lease for these activities. It was emphasised that such projects must preserve the natural condition of pastures and ensure their restoration.

The Head of State gave instructions on restoring pastures, strengthening water and fodder resources, and creating new opportunities for residents and entrepreneurs in rural areas.