Measures to develop the livestock and poultry sectors discussed

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation outlining measures to develop the livestock and poultry sectors, increase the production of meat and dairy products, and introduce modern technologies into the industry.

The country's growing population and increasing tourist flow are also driving demand for food products. Currently, the annual demand for meat stands at 2 million 150 thousand tons, while production amounts to around 1 million 600 thousand tons.

In this regard, a set of measures has been developed to increase livestock production in 2026–2028. It was noted that an additional 190 thousand tons of meat can be produced by rehabilitating livestock enterprises that have suspended operations, supporting districts specializing in livestock farming, constructing lightweight cow sheds in private households, and implementing new projects.

In particular, it is planned to rehabilitate 103 livestock enterprises that have suspended operations. It was proposed to restructure their debts or allow repayment in installments over a ten-year period, allocate land plots for fodder cultivation, and provide the enterprises with breeding stock. As a result, the enterprises will be able to keep 33 thousand head of cattle, enabling the annual production of 12 thousand tons of meat and 40 thousand tons of milk.

The plan for 13 districts specializing in livestock farming includes the efficient use of 75 thousand hectares of fodder land, financing small livestock projects, and the establishment of milk collection points and feed sales outlets.

In private households, it is also planned to construct 11 thousand lightweight cow sheds on 2,000-square-meter plots, providing capacity for keeping 421 thousand head of cattle.

As part of 802 new projects with a total value of 3 trillion soums, conditions will be created for keeping more than 68 thousand head of cattle and 186 thousand head of sheep and goats. The implementation of these projects will enable the additional annual production of 20 thousand tons of meat and 120 thousand tons of milk.

The results of an AI-assisted analysis of the rehabilitation of livestock complexes, using the Republic of Karakalpakstan as an example, were also considered. The debt of the 20 analyzed complexes amounts to 109.6 billion soums, with half of them classified as high risk. Most facilities lack sufficient fodder land and the necessary infrastructure.

Based on these, proposals were made to reduce the debt burden, establish a fodder base, gradually relaunch the complexes, first on a pilot basis and then in stages, and provide them with breeding stock.

It is planned to import 150 thousand sheep from Mongolia, 100 thousand head of breeding cattle from China and European countries, while 2 thousand head of cattle from Belarus. This will enable the additional annual production of 44 thousand tons of meat.

Overall, it is planned to allocate 463 million dollars for the development of the livestock sector.

Particular attention was paid to supporting private households and mahallas specializing in livestock farming. Over the past period, 2,407 mahallas across 191 districts, with a combined population of 3.9 million people, have been designated as livestock-specialized.

It was proposed to provide these households with affordable breeding stock, carry out artificial insemination of cows, improve feed supply and veterinary services, identify breeding calves, and provide subsidies. These measures are expected to increase livestock numbers and productivity in households while creating additional sources of income for citizens.

To further develop livestock breeding, it is planned to establish farms with a capacity of 200 head of cattle in 13 districts, carry out the annual artificial insemination of 500 thousand cows using selected breeding material, and widely introduce embryo transfer technologies.

A proposal to establish the Uzbekistan Livestock Breeders Association was also considered. The new association will focus on protecting the interests of livestock breeders, promoting cooperation, advancing breeding activities, scientific research and innovation, addressing issues related to financial support, and expanding access to foreign markets.

A unified digital assistant platform for farmers and the public, Smart Fermer, was also presented. Through the mobile application, users will be able to identify livestock, request the services of a veterinary specialist, obtain information on artificial insemination, feeding, and pasture management, apply for subsidies, and access AI advice.

In the poultry sector, projects worth a total of 432 million dollars are planned. Their implementation will enable the additional production of 100 thousand tons of poultry meat by 2028, increase compound feed production capacity to 3.3 million tons, and expand the share of modern slaughter systems from 20 to 50 percent.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev instructed the responsible officials to conduct a thorough analysis of the economic efficiency of the projects, ensure the targeted allocation of funds, introduce digital accounting and monitoring systems, and take measures to ensure a stable supply of quality and affordable products to the domestic market.