President arrives in Narpay aboard new high-speed train

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, accompanied by public representatives, arrived in the Narpay district aboard a new Hyundai Rotem high-speed train recently delivered to Uzbekistan.

Named after the great commander Jaloliddin Manguberdi, the train is the first of six Hyundai Rotem high-speed trains to be delivered to Uzbekistan. It consists of seven cars and can reach speeds of up to 260 kilometres per hour.

The white train, with tinted windows, is decorated with blue, green, and red stripes reminiscent of the flag of Uzbekistan, and bears the inscription “Jaloliddin Manguberdi.” The train is 175 meters long and has a capacity of approximately 390 passengers across three classes: VIP, business, and economy.

The train is specially designed for Uzbekistan’s climatic conditions, with systems resistant to dust, extreme temperatures, and sandstorms, and is intended for long-distance routes. 

In the near future, the Jaloliddin Manguberdi train is expected to begin operating on the Tashkent–Urgench–Khiva route, with a travel time of approximately seven hours.

During the trip, the Head of State held a conversation with regional officials, labor veterans, and active youth.

The discussion focused on large-scale transformations underway in the country, major ongoing projects, and initiatives aimed at improving people’s well-being and quality of life.

Upon arrival in Narpay, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the operations of a hydroponic strawberry greenhouse in the Narpay district of the Samarkand region.

Samarkand has a long-standing agricultural tradition, with extensive experience in the efficient use of land and water resources. In the Narpay district, particular attention is being paid to the rational use of every plot of land and available water, as well as the introduction of advanced agricultural technologies.

Today, there is growing interest in the practice of growing produce using hydroponics. Among the advanced farms implementing this innovative approach is the Narpay Qulupnay enterprise, which is achieving high economic efficiency.

The total cost of the project is $650,000, and a modern greenhouse has been built on a one-hectare site. The greenhouse has an annual production capacity of up to 50 tons of strawberries.

Currently, the enterprise supplies its products under the brand name "Narpay Qulupnaylari" to major local retail chains. This is an important factor in supplying the domestic market with high-quality and environmentally friendly products.

With hydroponic technology, strawberries are grown without soil, using special nutrient solutions. The plant roots develop not in the ground, but in a coconut coir substrate, which allows water to pass through easily. The necessary minerals are delivered directly to the plants through the water, which reduces the plants' energy expenditure and accelerates their growth. The yield is several times higher compared to traditional methods.

Furthermore, hydroponic technology allows for a large volume of produce to be grown in a small area. Most importantly, the absence of soil reduces water consumption by up to 80 percent. Since the risk of plant diseases is minimal, the use of chemical agents is reduced to a minimum. This ensures the ecological purity of the products and fully meets modern requirements.

Water-saving technologies have been implemented in the greenhouse, including a large reservoir for collecting rainwater. In addition, automated hydroponic systems, solar panels, and energy-efficient lighting have been installed, helping to reduce production costs.

The importance of such projects in ensuring a stable, year-round supply of agricultural products was emphasized. Information was also presented on the entrepreneur’s future plans.

Specifically, the project is set to expand with the construction of new greenhouses across an additional 60 hectares, increasing annual production capacity to 300,000 tons and creating new jobs.

The Head of State stressed the importance of expanding such greenhouses in households to create sustainable sources of income.

“Today, as in all sectors, it is essential to effectively use artificial intelligence in this field. If this work is properly organized, specialists are trained, and the Narpay experience is widely disseminated, our people will be able to grow produce year-round using hydroponic methods, supply the market, and earn a stable income,” said President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.