President Mirziyoyev calls for strict price stability measures ahead of Ramadan

“The blessed month of Ramadan begins next week. During these sacred days symbolizing generosity, compassion and gratitude, ensuring price stability in domestic markets is more important than ever,” the president said.

At the meeting, officials reported that annual inflation stood at 7.2% in January. Food products accounted for 45% of total inflationary pressure, with meat alone contributing 13%.

To reduce dependence on meat imports, the president underlined the need to resolve feed supply issues. In Mubarek district, 5,000 hectares of land have been brought into use for corn cultivation – an initiative described as a model for other regions. This year, authorities have been instructed to expand such efforts to an additional 60,000 hectares, creating a guaranteed feed base for 350,000 head of livestock.

Last year, 100,000 sheep and goats were imported from Mongolia to improve small livestock breeds. The government plans to continue this work in 2026.

Uzbekistan imported 772,000 tons of potatoes last year. For 2026, officials and regional governors have been tasked with ensuring a harvest of 4.5 million tons of potatoes to strengthen domestic supply and reduce reliance on imports.

The Center for Sectoral Markets and Labor Productivity under the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan has been assigned to identify internal and external inflation risks in advance and develop practical solutions.

Two representatives of the center will be stationed in each regional department of the ministry. On a weekly basis, the center will analyze markets in districts and cities to assess current demand for key products and forecast changes over one month, three months and one year.

Quarterly balances will also be prepared for essential food products, assessing how existing production capacity and warehouse stocks cover demand and identifying sources to compensate for shortages.