Uzbekistan plans to attract $63 million from ADB for pastureland restoration

According to the document, within the next three years, the country aims to increase the number of cattle to 445,000, sheep and goats to 1.7 million, and poultry to 10.3 million. Fish farming output is expected to rise to 54,000 tonnes.

Subsidy payments to livestock farms for importing pedigree sheep, goats, and cattle will be extended until December 31, 2030. Meanwhile, subsidies for day-old pedigree chicks will only be granted if they are purchased from domestic producers.

During 2026–2027, when importing live cattle, sheep, and goats (HS codes 0102 and 0104), businesses will be allowed to defer value-added tax (VAT) payments for up to 180 days. VAT refunds will be processed in accordance with existing legislation.

In addition, livestock producers will receive benefits when leasing land for growing fodder crops through online auctions. They will be permitted to pay rental fees in equal installments over five years.

On land leased for fodder cultivation, as well as on cotton–grain and livestock farms, the construction of lightweight livestock shelters, water tanks, and feed storage facilities will be allowed. The maximum area of such facilities must not exceed 0.2 hectares.

To obtain a construction permit, farms must submit a project demonstrating that the new facility will accommodate at least 60 head of cattle or 100 head of small livestock. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the structure being classified as unauthorized construction.

The Ministry of Agriculture and other government agencies have been instructed to launch a $63 million project financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) by July 2026 to restore pasturelands. The initiative will include digging new irrigation wells, increasing plant diversity, and using drones for seeding operations.