New Financial Opportunities for Supporting Livestock Farming Presented in Samarkand

On October 6, an event was held at the Youth Center in Samarkand as part of the “Financing Sustainable Development of the Livestock Sector” project, implemented with the participation of the French Development Agency (AFD). The event was attended by heads of dehkan and farming enterprises in the region, entrepreneurs, and representatives of commercial banks.

Implemented in accordance with Resolution No. PR-84 of the President of Uzbekistan dated January 13, 2022, the large-scale project is designed for 2022–2027 and covers all regions of the country. With a total budget of 147 million euros, the project provides financing for cattle and small ruminant farming, poultry farming, fish farming, beekeeping, rabbit farming, meat and dairy processing, and feed production. Particular attention is also paid to the ecosystem, with support provided for the installation of resource-efficient technologies, solar energy systems, and biogas facilities.

Speaking about the benefits available under the project, Odilkhon Bakoev, head of the Samarkand Regional Department for the Development of Livestock and Pasture Management, explained their importance:

— The financing provided with the participation of the French Development Agency offers benefits that our farmers find attractive. Loans at an interest rate of 10%, with a three-year grace period, as well as the possibility of having 40% of the amount received returned to the entrepreneur as a subsidy, represent a major opportunity. I believe our farmers will draw the necessary conclusions and use these funds to increase the number of livestock and poultry and thereby help provide our population with dairy and meat products.

Experts also provided detailed explanations of the technical aspects of financing and the available credit lines. It was reported that the funds will be distributed through two main channels. The first credit line is intended for large-scale and cluster projects, with up to 1 million euros available per project, while the second is designed for small and family farms, with loans of up to 100,000 euros.

Practical Experience: The “Yetti Khazina” Cluster

The event also featured practical examples for entrepreneurs. In particular, participants were introduced to the operations of the “Yetti Khazina” cluster, a leading poultry enterprise in Uzbekistan with 25 years of experience.

The enterprise consists of four companies and has a fully integrated production cycle. It has been successfully operating with financing obtained through the AFD credit line. Currently, the cluster has an annual production capacity of 120 million table eggs, 65 million hatching eggs, 50 million day-old chicks, and 50,000 tonnes of feed. Its products are also exported to Qatar, Afghanistan, and CIS countries. Named Uzbekistan’s “Best Poultry Farm” for three consecutive years (2022–2024), the enterprise has now grown into a major regional hub in Central Asia.

Representatives of partner banks also provided detailed information on the procedure for obtaining loans. It was reported that these financial resources will be provided through Halk Bank, Microcreditbank, Business Development Bank, and Hamkorbank.

Speaking about the significance of the event, Usmon Sharopov, a representative of the Samarkand Regional Department for the Development of Livestock and Pasture Management, said:

— We brought several farmers from our district who are interested in livestock and poultry farming to the event. The discussion was very lively. Our entrepreneurs received clear answers from specialists to all their questions regarding the procedures for obtaining loans. We intend to further expand the import of high-yielding pedigree cattle and poultry from abroad using these funds.

The discussions not only opened up opportunities for accessing financial resources but also helped identify specific ways to introduce modern technologies into the sector.

Livestock farmers now have access not only to preferential loans but also to practical solutions for organizing their businesses based on advanced international experience.