President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has sharply criticized the mismanagement of potato cultivation in Uzbekistan, revealing that nearly 55% of planned planting areas remained unused last year despite significant budget allocations. During a March 18 meeting on the socio-economic development of the Samarkand region, it was reported that out of 400 billion soums allocated for sowing 88,000 hectares, only about a quarter of the funds were utilized, leaving 48,000 hectares barren. In response, the head of state has ordered responsible officials to ensure full and timely sowing across all designated areas, with plans to expand total potato planting to 135,000 hectares in 2026, including 22,000 hectares in the Samarkand region alone.
To equip farmers with quality seed material and boost domestic yields, the government is implementing a multi-pronged strategy centered on imports and advanced biotechnology. Key measures include the duty-free distribution of 6,000 tons of seed potatoes from the Netherlands and the propagation of 250,000 mini-tubers imported from Egypt in the Bulungur district. Additionally, a new “in vitro” laboratory in the Akdarya region, with a capacity of 10 million mini-tubers, has been launched, and President Mirziyoyev has ordered the free distribution of 40,000 tons of super-elite seeds produced there. These steps are part of a broader national goal, announced earlier, to fully meet domestic potato demand through local resources by 2027.
