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World Bank loans help Uzbekistani farmers sell fruits and vegetables

The World Bank

Agriculture accounts for about 17% of GDP, 15% of export revenues and more than one-third of employment in Uzbekistan, according to the World Bank. [World Bank Group]

Agriculture accounts for about 17% of GDP, 15% of export revenues and more than one-third of employment in Uzbekistan, according to the World Bank. [World Bank Group]

TASHKENT -- The production of fruits and vegetables is among the most profitable activities for both dekhan (small, <0.5 hectare) and private farms in Uzbekistan.

In 2016, Uzbekistan exported 818,500 tonnes of fresh and processed fruits, vegetables and grapes to 43 countries. Horticultural export earnings have surged in recent years, from $68.7 million (555.4 billion UZS) in 2000 to $1.35 billion (10.9 trillion UZS) in 2013, according to the World Bank.

Uzbekistan's National Development Strategy for 2017-2021 aims to support horticulture, create rural jobs, improve food security and increase exports.

Meanwhile, a World Bank project launched in 2014 has provided Uzbekistani farmers and agro-firms with access to finance.

Organic fertilisers and the ability to avoid heavy pesticide use allow local farmers to deliver high-quality fruit and vegetables to domestic and export markets. [World Bank Group]

Organic fertilisers and the ability to avoid heavy pesticide use allow local farmers to deliver high-quality fruit and vegetables to domestic and export markets. [World Bank Group]

In Samarkand Province, 58 farmers and agro-firms benefited from sub-loans and about 2,800 farmers obtained access to World Bank financed services and facilities, such as packaging and processing, cold storages and nurseries. [World Bank Group]

In Samarkand Province, 58 farmers and agro-firms benefited from sub-loans and about 2,800 farmers obtained access to World Bank financed services and facilities, such as packaging and processing, cold storages and nurseries. [World Bank Group]

So far, local banks have issued 223 sub-loans to fund horticulture, which is expected to create 2,500 jobs in rural areas, including about 750 for women.

Borrowers have collectively invested $52.3 million (422.9 billion UZS) of their own funds.

Increasing productivity, creating jobs

In one example, Amirkhon Noz Nematlari, a farm household in Samarkand District, borrowed $564,000 (4.6 trillion UZS) and invested $190,000 (1.5 trillion UZS) of its own funds to purchase refrigeration equipment for a cold storage facility capable of accommodating up to 1,700 tonnes of horticultural products.

Ten permanent jobs will be created.

"We will be using the facility to save our own fruits, vegetables and grapes, as well as crops of local dekhans and farmers from this and neighbouring districts," said Vohid Abdushukurov, a facility manager.

"This service is in high demand among local farmers and agro-firms as their export capacity is rapidly growing," he said.

Uzbekistani produce 'the best in the world'

LLC Grand Samarkand Seoul is also constructing a one-hectare greenhouse in Samarkand District by using a $500,000 (4 trillion UZS) loan and $173,000 (1.4 trillion UZS) of its own funds.

The greenhouse will lead to 15 permanent jobs.

"I have travelled a lot and have had a chance to compare fruits and vegetables elsewhere with those grown in Uzbekistan," said Firdavs Radjabov, an owner of the greenhouse.

"I can confidently say that Uzbekistani farmers produce the best in the world, thanks to the great taste and look of their organic products."

[The World Bank Group authorises the use of this material subject to the terms and conditions on its website.]

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Assalamu alaykum, I also want to get a loan from the World Bank. where to apply for this?

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I liked it alot, I would like to take horticulture credit, who do I must contact?

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I like it, can I get a loan from the World Bank, too?

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Article is great brothers

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We, too, need a loan for a greenhouse

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