Uzbekistan and UC Davis to Expand Cooperation in Horticulture

Representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan and the Serbian company Evro Kalem Trade Ltd discussed opportunities for developing modern nurseries and intensive orchards in Uzbekistan.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan, the negotiations focused on establishing a modern nursery, implementing advanced agricultural technologies, and adapting export-oriented fruit varieties to Uzbekistan's agro-climatic conditions.

One of the areas under consideration is the creation of a nursery in Uzbekistan for producing planting material. This project aims to introduce modern production methods and promote the cultivation and propagation of high-yield fruit varieties demanded by the market.

Particular attention was paid to apple varieties, including Pink Lady and other promising cultivars. The parties proposed studying their suitability for various agro-climatic conditions in Uzbekistan. Tests are planned at experimental sites, after which the most suitable varieties can be more widely introduced into production.

Another potential element of the project is the establishment of a modern nursery and intensive orchards in the Jizzakh region. Participants discussed the efficient use of the region's land and water resources, as well as its agro-climatic conditions and existing infrastructure.

Under the proposed project, the region will be able to produce certified high-quality planting material and establish intensive orchards. This will also ensure the supply of fruit seedlings that meet quality and certification requirements.

The cooperation also includes the transfer of Serbian expertise to Uzbek specialists. Specifically, the parties intend to consider introducing modern grafting methods, producing high-quality rootstocks and certified seedlings, as well as providing professional training for local specialists.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue working on the project concept. The next stage will involve identifying suitable land plots for implementation in the Jizzakh region and further developing a modern base for growing fruit seedlings in Uzbekistan.

This cooperation is expected to support the development of intensive horticulture, increase the output of certified high-quality planting material, and expand market opportunities for agricultural products both domestically and internationally.

The Minister of Agriculture of Uzbekistan, Ibrohim Abdurakhmonov, announced plans to strengthen cooperation in the agricultural and food sectors with India. These plans include increasing meat imports, establishing joint processing enterprises, and introducing new crop varieties during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tashkent.

The central focus of the interaction remains seed production, as Indian companies are introducing new crop varieties in Uzbekistan. In the Khorezm region, salt-tolerant cotton varieties are being tested over an area of 12,000 hectares, and new vegetable and fodder seeds are also being imported.

In the meat sector, Uzbekistan intends to increase purchases of cheaper Indian meat through joint ventures and updated agreements with the Allana Group. This initiative covers both imports and production projects, with Uzbek specialists participating in processing and halal slaughtering directly in India to ensure compliance with quality standards and certification. Supply logistics will be managed with the participation of Turkish partners via the Port of Mersin.

Currently, India is the main supplier of beef to Uzbekistan. In the first half of 2026, Uzbekistan imported 72,000 tons of beef worth $359.5 million, which is 9.1% more than in the same period of 2025. India supplied 33,900 tons, accounting for about 47% of the total beef import volume. Additional supplies came from Belarus (19,600 tons), Kazakhstan (10,600 tons), and Pakistan (4,000 tons).

Bilateral agricultural trade between the two countries has increased more than threefold in recent years. Uzbekistan exports more than 30 types of agricultural products to India, and the government is shifting from transit through third countries to direct supplies, especially concerning pulses.

Furthermore, Uzbekistan is expanding domestic jute cultivation to reduce the import of natural fibers, which currently costs nearly $30 million annually. Jute is currently grown on an area of about 2,000 hectares, and there are plans to increase the cultivated area to at least 50,000 hectares for use with cotton in textile production. It is also worth noting that Uzbekistan imported over 10 tons of early-maturing cumin seeds from India in partnership with Nath Bio-Genes to conduct joint planting trials between cotton rows in various regions.

India and Uzbekistan are strengthening their partnership in the agricultural sector, with a particular focus on seed production, drip irrigation technologies, and horticulture. This was announced by Sibi George, Secretary (West) of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, during a press briefing following the visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Uzbekistan.

According to George, both countries are exploring opportunities for joint work in seed production, the development of drip irrigation technologies, and horticulture. Cooperation in these areas is being carried out between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the National Center for Knowledge and Innovation in Agriculture of Uzbekistan.

The diplomat emphasized that the Indian Minister of Agriculture was part of the Indian Prime Minister's delegation during the trip to Uzbekistan. According to a joint statement by the leaders of the two states after the negotiations, discussions on economic interaction also covered agriculture and food processing, alongside mineral resources, the textile industry, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals.

These areas were identified as priorities for increasing bilateral trade, with both sides setting a goal to reach a volume of 5 billion US dollars by 2030.