#UzbekistanCherryExport #AgriculturalExports #CherryFarming #UzbekistanEconomy
Uzbekistan’s cherry has emerged as the star performer in the country’s external market. According to statistics from the Agency of Statistics, in the first half of 2023, Uzbekistan exported 45,000 tons of cherries valued at $52.9 million, averaging around $1.1 per kilogram. This growth is a direct result of Uzbekistan’s strategic decision under the “One Country, One Priority Product” global action plan, which selected cherries as the priority product for export. With an average annual cherry production of up to 180,000 tons, the fruit has secured the 5th position in Uzbekistan’s agricultural exports.
Development of Cherry Farming in Uzbekistan:
One of the main reasons for the success of cherry farming in Uzbekistan is the agroecological conditions that allow small-scale farmers across the country to grow cherries with minimal use of chemical fertilizers. The Head of the Department of Agricultural Production at the Ministry of Agriculture, Zafar Artykov, reported a steady increase in the number of cherry trees in Uzbekistan year after year. Over the past three years, more than 10,000 hectares of new orchards have been established in farms of all categories.
Currently, Uzbekistan boasts approximately 25,000 hectares of cherry orchards, showcasing the significant growth and potential of the cherry industry in the country.
Consequences and Impact on Exports:
The official statistics reveal an impressive 1.2-fold increase in the export of fruit and vegetable products, reaching 955,200 tons in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, a rise of 133,000 tons.
The primary export markets for fruit and vegetable products were Russia (39.9%), Pakistan (14.1%), Kazakhstan (12.6%), and China (9.7%).
The total export revenue from fruit and vegetable products in the first half of the year amounted to $562.3 million, with a growth rate of 24.9% compared to the same period in 2022. Notably, fruit and vegetable exports constituted 4.6% of the country’s overall export volume.
The cherry industry has not only boosted Uzbekistan’s economy but has also strengthened trade relations with key international partners.
Uzbekistan’s cherry has emerged as a remarkable success story in the country’s agricultural sector and has positioned itself as a favorite in the external market. With favorable agroecological conditions and the government’s strategic support, cherry farming has flourished, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic growth and international trade.
