Acreage of industrial-scale intensive orchards adapted to the local climate is expanding in the Aral Sea region
Uzbekistan
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev inspected modern agricultural practices implemented at the "ADM Agro" industrial-scale intensive orchard in the Kegeyli District of the Republic of Karakalpakstan.
Globally, automotive companies often expand into other sectors, building diversified business portfolios. "ADM Group," which manufactures vehicles in the Jizzakh region, is following this same approach. Intensive fruit growing in the Aral Sea region has become one of its new lines of business.
It is often believed that fruit growing is not economically viable in the harsh climate of the Aral Sea region, where saline soils predominate. However, a project currently underway here—valued at 55 billion soums—is completely changing this perception.
Drawing on international experience, "ADM Group"—which manufactures cars in the Jizzakh region—is not limiting itself to that sector alone but is developing intensive fruit growing as part of its diversified operations.
The orchard covers a total area of 330 hectares. Most importantly, the project has created 300 jobs for the local population. Rural residents who previously lacked a steady source of income are now working close to home and providing for their families.
Currently, 250,000 black plum saplings, developed through selective breeding in the USA, have been planted across 69 hectares. This variety is known for its high tolerance to saline soils. The trees begin bearing fruit in just two years, with yields reaching up to 50–60 kilograms per tree. The large size of the fruit and the ease with which the pit separates from the flesh make this variety particularly suitable for processing.
To ensure the efficient use of land resources and boost income, a high-yielding tomato variety has been planted in the spaces between the trees. An average yield of 40–45 tons per hectare can be achieved.
Modern technologies implemented in the orchard have effectively addressed the issue of water scarcity. Closed drainage and drip irrigation systems have been installed on the site. Traditional irrigation methods require 12,000 liters of water per hectare.
With the new system, this figure is reduced to just 5,000 liters, resulting in water savings of up to 60 percent.
Water is delivered directly to the tree roots, preventing waste. Plants absorb up to 90 percent of the fertilizers applied via the irrigation water. Maintaining consistent soil moisture levels further boosts crop yields. Thanks to the system's full automation, a single operator can easily manage an area spanning hundreds of hectares.
It was noted that establishing such a modern orchard—despite challenging climatic conditions—demonstrates the entrepreneurs' boldness and openness to innovation.
The on-site equipment, which enables fruit drying and processing immediately after harvest, significantly increases the value of the finished products.
The project also includes a concrete plan for marketing the produce. Mutually beneficial export agreements have already been signed with China, South Korea, and Russia.
The successful model implemented in Kegeyli will be replicated across Karakalpakstan.
Plans are in place to expand the region's intensive orchards to 10,000 hectares and create 40,000 permanent and seasonal jobs.
While there, the Head of State spoke with the farmers. They highlighted the reforms underway in the country and expressed their gratitude for the constant attention paid to the development of Karakalpakstan.
It is often believed that fruit growing is not economically viable in the harsh climate of the Aral Sea region, where saline soils predominate. However, a project currently underway here—valued at 55 billion soums—is completely changing this perception.
Drawing on international experience, "ADM Group"—which manufactures cars in the Jizzakh region—is not limiting itself to that sector alone but is developing intensive fruit growing as part of its diversified operations.
The orchard covers a total area of 330 hectares. Most importantly, the project has created 300 jobs for the local population. Rural residents who previously lacked a steady source of income are now working close to home and providing for their families.
Currently, 250,000 black plum saplings, developed through selective breeding in the USA, have been planted across 69 hectares. This variety is known for its high tolerance to saline soils. The trees begin bearing fruit in just two years, with yields reaching up to 50–60 kilograms per tree. The large size of the fruit and the ease with which the pit separates from the flesh make this variety particularly suitable for processing.
To ensure the efficient use of land resources and boost income, a high-yielding tomato variety has been planted in the spaces between the trees. An average yield of 40–45 tons per hectare can be achieved.
Modern technologies implemented in the orchard have effectively addressed the issue of water scarcity. Closed drainage and drip irrigation systems have been installed on the site. Traditional irrigation methods require 12,000 liters of water per hectare.
With the new system, this figure is reduced to just 5,000 liters, resulting in water savings of up to 60 percent.
Water is delivered directly to the tree roots, preventing waste. Plants absorb up to 90 percent of the fertilizers applied via the irrigation water. Maintaining consistent soil moisture levels further boosts crop yields. Thanks to the system's full automation, a single operator can easily manage an area spanning hundreds of hectares.
It was noted that establishing such a modern orchard—despite challenging climatic conditions—demonstrates the entrepreneurs' boldness and openness to innovation.
The on-site equipment, which enables fruit drying and processing immediately after harvest, significantly increases the value of the finished products.
The project also includes a concrete plan for marketing the produce. Mutually beneficial export agreements have already been signed with China, South Korea, and Russia.
The successful model implemented in Kegeyli will be replicated across Karakalpakstan.
Plans are in place to expand the region's intensive orchards to 10,000 hectares and create 40,000 permanent and seasonal jobs.
While there, the Head of State spoke with the farmers. They highlighted the reforms underway in the country and expressed their gratitude for the constant attention paid to the development of Karakalpakstan.
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