More opportunities for cluster development
On October 27 was held a video conference on the development of the cluster system in agriculture chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Over the next five years, it is envisaged to increase yields by at least 2 times, ensure deep processing of raw materials, bring exports to 7 billion, and increase employment and incomes of the population.
In this case, the leading role is assigned to clusters. This system, in a short time, created the basis for great changes. Thus, in cotton growing alone, fiber processing increased 2.5 times and reached 100 percent. In addition, the production of yarn has doubled, finished products – tripled, their exports by the end of the year will reach 3 billion.
125 new enterprises were created with a full production cycle with a total value of 2 billion and 150 thousand permanent jobs.
The clusters brought more than 5 thousand units of high-performance equipment, introduced water-saving technologies on 126 thousand hectares.
Thanks to an innovative approach, productivity is also increased. Many clusters have harvested 35-40 centners of cotton per hectare this year.
The head of state stressed the need to continue this work and expand the capabilities of clusters to increase productivity in agriculture and the agro-industrial complex.
As noted at the meeting, now funding for the harvesting of cotton will begin with the beginning of arable land, that is, in October. Loans to clusters will be allocated for a period of 24 months, and their grace period will be increased from 11 to 18 months.
The cluster will repay the loan after the raw materials are converted into finished products - not earlier than they will be processed into yarn or fabric. 10 trillion soums will be allocated from the budget for the implementation of this system. To this end, an additional 100 million will be allocated to the Agriculture Support Fund by the end of the year.
For the purchase of equipment for dyeing fabrics and the production of mixed fabrics, financial grants are provided from the state, depending on the capacity of the enterprise. Another 150 million will be allocated to finance such projects.
A new 100 million low-rate credit line will be opened by the government to support the export of dyed fabric and finished goods businesses. For clusters and other textile enterprises that export at least 80 percent of such goods, the social tax rate is set at 1 percent for a period of 3 years instead of the current 12 percent. They will also be given the opportunity to pay property tax with a three-year grace period. Due to this, at least 500 billion soums a year will remain at the disposal of enterprises.
Another convenience - starting next year, clusters will be given the opportunity to take out loans secured by raw cotton and fiber.
Clusters and farms will have to put up 2.5 tons of grain from each hectare for exchange trading within 3 years, and the rest of the harvest will be able to sell at their own discretion.
Grain processing enterprises within “Uzdonmahsulot” will be put up for auction to create grain-growing clusters on their basis.
The importance of concessional lending to subjects of fruit and vegetable clusters and cooperatives through the Agriculture Support Fund was emphasized. In particular, the fund will allocate credit resources for the working capital of fruit and vegetable clusters at a rate of 10 percent for a period of 1 year.
For clusters and farmers with export contracts, 50 percent of the insurance premium will be covered by the state.
It is planned to reduce 200 thousand hectares of low-yielding areas of cotton and grain. They will be provided to the population on a long-term lease on a competitive basis.
Loans will be provided for fruit and vegetable projects worth up to 100 million soums on the terms of the "Every family is an entrepreneur" program.
