Homestead and household farming is a significant source for increasing incomes of the population

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the “Ittifoq” mahalla of Saykhunabad district, where he got acquainted with the population’s households.

One of the country’s pressing issues is employment. Economic reforms and regional programs, whether they are aimed at creating jobs or improving the quality of life of the population, are all aimed at this end.

As a result of these events, 2 million 400 thousand people have become self-employed in recent years. Almost 2 million people were lifted out of poverty. As part of the program “20 thousand entrepreneurs – 500 thousand qualified specialists”, contracts were signed to employ 455 thousand people. At the mahalla level, 51 thousand microprojects were implemented, 206 thousand new jobs were created. Unemployed citizens are trained in modern professions and foreign languages at the “Ishga Markhamat” monocenters.

The current state program provides for the employment of 5 million people, including more than 2 million in agriculture and household plots.

At a meeting with the Head of state on March 7, the possibilities of using the capabilities of mahallas and creating sources of income for families were considered. One of the most accessible and widespread ways was realizing the potential of household lands.

The President always emphasizes the need to begin national programs with the most difficult areas in order to improve conditions there, alleviate people’s hardships, and show in practice what can be achieved in such districts.

Saykhunabad is one such district. Higher budgets provide 60 percent of the local budget. Entrepreneurship development lags behind other districts. There are 2,400 unemployed in the district. The poverty rate here is higher than the national average.

6,672 people live in “Ittifoq” mahalla. There are three schools, three kindergartens, a clinic, dozens of enterprises, and farms. But this is not enough to ensure full employment. More than a hundred non-disabled people are unemployed. Some work abroad, and there are people with disabilities who want to work. Last year, to attract the population to entrepreneurship, loans were allocated for 140 projects. 137 citizens were allocated long-term land plots for farming.

In reality, residents do not need the allocation of additional land plots. Since Saykhunabad is one of 26 districts where one family has an average of 20 acres of household plots. However, they are not used to their full potential. The main crops grown on such lands are alfalfa and corn.

In particular, in the “Ittifoq” mahalla, the total area of household plots is 185 hectares. Thanks to the Syrdarya River flowing through the district, there is plenty of water. But the volume of production of valuable products and, accordingly, the welfare of households remains at a low level. In particular, the income from a 6-acre plot of land in Fergana Valley is several times higher than the productivity of a much larger plot here.

Therefore, it was decided to turn Saykhunabad into a model that fully uses the capabilities of households. The resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan of March 5 this year “On measures to support production in households using the industrial method and the use of new reserves in household plots and dehkan farms” identifies excellent opportunities for this. In particular, in 2024, it is planned to create exemplary training and experimental sites in 54 districts for planting export-oriented and highly profitable crops, increasing the knowledge and skills of the population in this area.

Such exemplary household plots were also created in the “Ittifoq” mahalla. The Head of state visited these households.

For example, carrots, garlic, and onions were still grown on 14 acres of Risolat Gulomova’s plot, but only thirty percent of the land was used.

With the help of the Hokimiyat and responsible organizations, apple and grape seedlings were planted in the garden, and various vegetables were planted between them. In addition, the breeding of chickens, rabbits, bees, and dairy cows was organized.

Today, in Uzbekistan, greenhouses that operate without fuel are gaining popularity. The Head of state approved this experience and noted the need to scale it up and provide farmers with such greenhouses in ready-made form. A greenhouse with an area of two hundred square meters was also built in Mrs. Risolat’s house. 30 lemon trees are planted in it, and tomatoes and strawberries are planted between the rows.

The President talked here with the owners of personal plots and mahalla activists.

“We will organize all the work in the mahalla so that our people feel the changes taking place. Now, we will direct all the capabilities of government institutions to every street and every home. For example, a bank assigned to a mahalla and providing funds will change how people approach their farming. Our goal is to increase people’s income and make them more prosperous. Of course, it won’t be easy. It’s hard work, continuous search, always new ideas. But it can be done. The only criterion is that the economic complex must live by the concerns of the people”, the President said.

Representatives of the mahalla reported that residents of the mahalla and the entire Saykhunabad are showing great interest in the widespread use of subsidiary plots. Those in charge promised to expand this experience, help owners of personal plots, and turn the mahalla into an area without unemployment.

The President answered questions from media representatives. Thereupon, the Head of state completed his visit and returned to Tashkent.