Under the auspices of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a $200 million horticulture promotion loan project is set to enhance blueberry cultivation in Uzbekistan. This initiative, aimed at bolstering the local production of blueberries, was spotlighted during the forum "Uzbekistan – the new world leader in Blueberry production". The event, drawing on the expertise of Polish specialists, underscored Uzbekistan's potential in the sector.
At present, Uzbekistan's blueberry market relies heavily on imports, with only 10% of its blueberries grown domestically. The JICA project seeks to change this dynamic by focusing on the Ferghana Valley, Tashkent, and Surkhandarya provinces for the promotion of blueberry cultivation. The program encompasses not only financial support but also educational initiatives for Uzbek farmers. These include training sessions within the country and visits to Poland, recognized for its prominence in the European blueberry market. The establishment of demonstration blueberry plots in Uzbekistan is also part of the project's comprehensive approach.
Experts project that blueberry farming could yield revenues between $10,000 and $15,000 per hectare, a significant increase over the typical agricultural income in Uzbekistan, which averages between $2,000 and $3,000 per hectare. The initiative has garnered attention from a wide array of stakeholders, including those in the food sector, commercial banking, and academia.
Source: uzdaily.uz
