On April 2, 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan adopted a Resolution to support lemon production and processing.
At the heart of the plan is the construction of compact greenhouses in lemon-priority regions. These greenhouses, which will be set up in villages and on leased plots, will be available to farmers under a seven-year installment plan, including a three-year grace period. This move is expected to make lemon cultivation more accessible to small-scale producers and rural entrepreneurs.
The government has also lifted restrictions on importing specialized equipment for processing lemons into jam, marmalade, and lemonade. Entrepreneurs will be able to lease this equipment through newly facilitated programs, creating incentives for local value-added production.
To further ease the financial burden on lemon producers, the program includes favorable refinancing terms for existing loans and interest payments. Officials hope this will help citrus farms recover and expand their operations.
Four districts—Naryn, Shakhrisabz, Uchkuprik, and Denau—will each allocate a dedicated area for the scientifically guided cultivation of lemon seedlings. The goal is to produce one million high-quality seedlings for future planting.
An inventory of all lemon-growing land, including both commercial and household plots, is set to be completed by the end of 2025. The data will be integrated into the country's "Online Mahalla" digital platform, providing better oversight and planning tools for regional development.
Additionally, a national competition will be launched to fund promising research projects focused on breeding lemon varieties that are more resilient to drought and cold. The initiative seeks to improve crop yields and expand the cultivation zones across the country.
Source: nuz.uz