The decision was announced during a government meeting on livestock development, where officials also reviewed the results of the country's agricultural census. The census found that the actual number of livestock was significantly lower than previously recorded.
According to the findings, the number of cattle was 2.1 million head below earlier estimates, while the number of sheep and goats was lower by 1.5 million head.
In Kashkadarya region alone, the registered cattle population was found to be 171,000 head lower than expected, while the number of sheep and goats was short by 288,000 head. Officials said this could result in the region producing around 50,000 fewer tonnes of meat and 120 million fewer liters of milk.
To support the livestock sector, the government allocated UZS 1 trillion from the Agriculture Fund in May. An additional $50 million will also be provided through the Uzbekistan Fund for Reconstruction and Development.
The funding will be used to support livestock farmers through concessional lending. Loans of up to UZS 5 billion will be available for the construction of livestock complexes, while projects focused on breeding livestock will be eligible for financing of up to UZS 20 billion. The loans will have a repayment period of 10 years, including a four-year grace period.
The government also announced plans to import 100,000 head of cattle and 150,000 sheep and goats by the end of the year to help replenish livestock numbers and strengthen domestic meat production.
Authorities said extending the air freight import incentive for meat is expected to increase supplies to the domestic market and help keep prices stable.
