Considering the rising demands in the world market for viticulture, Uzbekistan is planning to create its own brand and use its potential of exporting $600 million worth of grapes in the near future. This topic was under scrutiny at the recent videoconference chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Vineyards occupy some 90,000 hectares of land in Uzbekistan and provide employment to 900,000 people on a permanent and seasonal basis.
Over the past four years, 52,000 hectares of new vineyards have been planted throughout the country, almost $20 million has been allocated towards this sphere in the form of subsidies. The share of grapes in the export of fruit and vegetable products has doubled.
Grapes are the third-largest fruit in the world market, and the demand for it is growing by an average of $350 million annually. Uzbekistan’s potential in grape exports is estimated at $600 million, raisins at $500 million and wine at $100 million.
According to Mirziyoyev, the country is yet to use its full potential in this area. The yield of local grapes is 1.5-2 times lower than in other Asian countries. In addition, stone fruit makes up 90% of the grapes grown in the country, while the demand for seedless grapes is growing worldwide. The level of grapes processing also does not meet modern requirements. The share of wine in the total consumption of alcoholic beverages is only 2%. Wine tourism is also poorly developed. Only four tourist plantations have been organized in Samarkand, Fergana and Tashkent regions.
Last year, due to the reduction of grain areas in the Altyaryk region, large vineyards were laid on 2,000 hectares. They provide jobs for 5,000 residents of the region. This would make it possible to harvest an additional 60,000 tons of grapes, to ensure the export of products worth almost $100 million next year and $200 million in subsequent years after reaching full capacity.
New vineyards have also been created in a number of districts.
Mirziyoyev stressed the importance of creating infrastructure to service new plantations.
In order to stimulate the creation of new and renewal of old vineyards, subsidies would be provided in the amount of $1,000 for each hectare of newly certified plantations. To finance the planting of vineyards, the banks would be allocated $100 million in resources.
“Industry leaders should determine for themselves specific plans to further increase exports in the coming years. From now on, when exporting 30% of the grown crop, taxes on profits and property will be reduced by 30% and when exporting more than 30% – by half”, Mirziyoyev added. (Uzreport/Business World Magazine)
