Potato Prices Rise Due to Planting Delays in Certain Regions

In Uzbekistan, a target of 180,000 hectares was set for potato cultivation this year to fully meet domestic demand, according to Zamin.uz. To date, planting has been completed on 118,000 hectares.

Nevertheless, indicators in some regions of the country are significantly lagging behind the established plan. Specifically, only 41% of the planned areas in Kashkadarya region and 44% in Surkhandarya region have been planted with potatoes.

The failure to carry out planting on time and subsequent delays directly caused price increases in domestic markets. According to analysis, in March alone, potato prices rose by 12.4% in Surkhandarya and 9% in Kashkadarya.

This situation poses a risk of supply disruptions for products essential to the population's daily needs. Work was also inadequately organized in the Khojaobod, Andijan, Kasansay, Chartak, Chust, Yangikurgan, Tashlak, and Fergana districts, which specialize in potato production.

Due to the delays in these areas, the performance and responsibility of deputy regional governors for agriculture and district governors were critically reviewed. Responsible officials were given strict instructions to rectify existing shortcomings within a short period.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev specifically addressed the issue of food security, noting that all necessary opportunities have been created in this direction. The head of state emphasized that funds and resources are sufficient, and there must be no problems in the supply of vital products such as meat and potatoes.

From now on, the head of each region will be personally responsible for maintaining food stability in their territory.