The measures were presented to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on October 13 during a review of pasture management.
Uzbekistan has 21.25 million hectares of pastureland, but only about 40% is used effectively. Authorities have been tasked with restoring 620,000 hectares and improving pasture productivity by the end of 2026, followed by a further 3.7 million hectares in 2027.
Regional governors, working with the Agency for the Development of Livestock and Pasture Management, must draw up comprehensive programs within a month. The programs are to reduce the area of degraded pastureland by 10% in 2026 and 20% in 2027.
More wells and irrigation infrastructure planned
To improve water access, authorities plan to drill 448 additional wells using revenue from pastureland leases. The proceeds will remain under the control of regional pasture management authorities. The new wells are expected to improve water supplies across 1.5 million hectares of pastureland in 2027, while another 1,600 wells are due to be repaired by the end of this year.
The government has allocated UZS 100 billion to build 323 irrigation facilities – 161 in 2026 and 81 each in 2027 and 2028. The projects are expected to support the restoration of 969,000 hectares of pastureland.
In Navoi region, UZS 30 billion from the local budget is being used to reconstruct the Kengsoy pumping station and develop 20,000 hectares of pastureland. Eleven businesses are also building reservoirs and installing sprinkler irrigation systems in the area. The projects are expected to support annual production of 250,000 tons of animal feed for 60,000 head of cattle.
In Nishon district of Kashkadarya region, a center-pivot irrigation system has been installed across 1,332 hectares of pastureland, where fodder crops are being planted. Officials have been instructed to extend the approach to Mubarak and Dehkanabad districts and establish a total of 9,400 hectares of seed-production fields within a year.
Existing pasture users to have their rights formalized
The government also plans to formalize land-use rights for livestock farmers who have used pastureland for years. A commission’s mandate will be extended through the end of 2026 to register 623,000 hectares in the names of their current users. The land is currently used to graze 260,000 head of livestock.
