Uzbekistan Aims for Self-Sufficiency in Potato Production by 2027
Uzbekistan plans to fully meet its domestic potato demand through local production by 2027. Although potatoes are among the most consumed food products in the country, a portion of the supply still comes from imports, despite being cultivated on 290,000 hectares of land. Government Initiative to Boost Production Current potato varieties and yields are falling short of expectations, prompting the government to take action. The Potato Research Institute has been tasked with developing high-yield varieties adapted to Uzbekistan’s climate. The institute will produce three million tubers annually using the in-vitro method, a technique where plant samples from the upper shoot are cultivated under artificial conditions in test tubes or glass containers. To support these efforts, the government will allocate 400 billion UZS (USD 30.85 million) from the Agricultural Fund this year for potato farming development. Additionally, imported seed potatoes will be exempt from customs duties for the next three years. Authorities have also been instructed to provide farmers with potato cultivation and processing equipment, offering affordable leasing options. Impact of Regional Potato Supply Disruptions The announcement comes amid rising potato prices in Central Asia. Recently, Kazakhstan suspended potato exports to non-EEU countries, including Uzbekistan, for six months due to increasing domestic prices. This restriction has already caused difficulties for Uzbek importers. Additionally, a shipment of 43 wagons of potatoes from Kazakhstan’s Pavlodar region was stopped at the Uzbek border a few days ago for a phytosanitary inspection. The delay left the potatoes in storage for over 10 days, causing them to freeze and spoil. “Look, it’s rotten. Water is leaking, everything is ruined. First, it froze, then it melted - now it’s useless. There were 68 tons in one wagon,” said businessman Azamat Serikbayev. The Kazakh entrepreneurs, who had sold the shipment before the export ban took effect, expressed frustration, arguing that all necessary documents had been issued in mid-January. They claim the cargo was unjustly delayed and is now unsuitable even for animal feed. Representatives of five affected companies say they intend to sue officials over their losses.