Within the framework of implementing the decisions of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on sectoral development, new opportunities of the project “Financing Sustainable Development of the Livestock Sector,” implemented jointly by the Committee of Veterinary and Livestock Development and the French Development Agency (AFD), were presented to the public during a media tour held in Fergana. Particular emphasis was placed on financial incentive mechanisms being created for women and young entrepreneurs.
This strategic project, with a total value of 147.1 million euros, is designed for 2022–2026. Its main objective is to modernize livestock farming based on advanced technologies, significantly increase productivity, and develop a “green” economy adapted to climate change. Within the framework of the project, entrepreneurs in the livestock sector are provided with financial resources in the national currency equivalent of up to 100,000 euros for up to 10 years, including a grace period of up to 3 years.
The project stands out for its key innovative component — the grant system. After the project is launched, up to 30 percent of the received loan amount is returned to entrepreneurs in the form of a grant. Notably, if the project initiator is a woman or a man under the age of 24, they are eligible for an additional 10 percent, bringing the total grant amount to 40 percent of the loan.
Grant funds are directed toward financing a wide range of “green” projects. Priority areas include modernization of milk and meat processing enterprises, establishment of high-quality feed production, development of intensive fish farming, construction of modern livestock and poultry facilities (especially using energy-efficient wooden materials), as well as development of poultry farming and beekeeping. Special attention is also given to “green” investments such as installation of solar panels, introduction of drip irrigation systems, and acquisition of modern agricultural machinery for feed production.
Project manager Oleg Li emphasized that the project’s goal is not only to increase livestock numbers, but also to create a climate-adapted, resource-efficient and high-income livestock model. He noted that grants of up to 40 percent for youth and women open new opportunities in business, and stated that to date, guarantees totaling 8.8 billion soums have been allocated to 26 entities.
During its implementation, the project has already achieved notable results. To date, 321 subprojects have been financed, 3,085 new jobs have been created, and employment has been provided for 825 women. In addition, 1,256 specialists in the sector (243 managers and 1,013 field veterinarians) have completed advanced training courses based on international standards.
Furthermore, for the first time in the veterinary sector, a system has been created to monitor diseases in real time (online). This system has enabled centralized monitoring of the epizootic situation across the republic and established a mechanism for rapid response to dangerous diseases.
The project serves as an important “social lift” in ensuring women’s employment by engaging housewives in formal entrepreneurship. As a result, they gain permanent employment, social protection, and a stable source of income. The successful activity of each woman entrepreneur contributes to the creation of at least 3–5 additional jobs in the region, further increasing the socio-economic significance of this initiative.
