Uzbekistan is preparing for a large expansion of orchard plantings as it aims to increase its role in global fruit supply. Ugiloy Boltaboyeva, Head of the Press Service of the Agency for the Development of the Agro-Industrial Complex, reported that the country currently ranks second worldwide in apricot cultivation and exports, and is also among the leading producers of peaches.
During 2024–2025, Uzbekistan plans to establish 43,200 hectares of intensive orchards and vineyards. The largest new plantings are planned in Namangan with 3,277 hectares, Jizzakh with 2,413 hectares, Samarkand with 2,539 hectares, Surkhandarya with 1,700 hectares, and Andijan with 1,439 hectares.
Fruit exports for the first nine months of the year reached 1.6 million tons valued at US$1.5 billion. Shipments were supplied to more than 70 countries. As the new orchards begin production in the next two to three years, export volumes are expected to increase by at least 30 per cent over the following three to five years.
Uzbekistan ranks second after Türkiye in global apricot production and second after Italy in apricot exports. The country is also among the top exporters of cherries, grapes, and peaches.
Source: UZ Daily
