Agency for Increasing Forests and Green Areas and Combating Desertification

The event was attended by officials from the Republican Forestry Agency and the regional Department of Ecology, heads of territorial state forestry enterprises, foresters, mahalla activists, and representatives of the mass media.

The event was opened with an introductory speech by Ismatulla Dustmurodov, Advisor to the Director of the Forestry Agency under the Committee on Ecology for Information Policy, who provided information on the goals and expected outcomes of the pistachio plantation development project being implemented in the Nurobod district.

“— As a result of this project, land degradation in the district will be prevented, ecosystems will be strengthened, and environmental sustainability will be ensured,” said I. Dustmurodov. “— Most importantly, employment for the local population will be provided.

For reference, in accordance with a relevant directive from the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, it is planned to develop a project for pistachio cultivation in the Nurobod district of the Samarkand region, ensure the efficient use of state reserve lands in the district, and establish pistachio plantations to strengthen ecosystems on degraded lands.

At the event, the Director of the Saroykurgon State Forestry, Ahmad Sagdullayev, informed journalists about the activities planned within the framework of the project implementation.

“— From 2026 to the end of 2036, it is planned to establish pistachio plantations on a total area of 50,000 hectares in the Nurobod district. In 2026, it is also planned to create intensive pistachio plantations on 5,000 hectares, develop water supply infrastructure, and introduce modern agricultural technologies. This year, 21 billion soums are planned to be allocated for these activities, along with the installation of 40 vertical wells and 40 membranes,” said A. Sagdullayev. “— At the initial stage of the project, it is planned to provide employment for 500 local residents under contract agreements. Each of them will be assigned 10 hectares of pistachio plantations.

It should be noted that during the spring season of the current year, pistachio plantations have already been established on 552 hectares in the district: 252 hectares with seedlings and 290 hectares with seeds. Currently, land preparation work is underway for autumn planting of pistachios in accordance with agrotechnical requirements.

According to specialists, this initiative will contribute to the restoration of degraded lands and their efficient use. In line with agrotechnical requirements, pistachio trees begin to bear fruit in 6–7 years, and high yields are achieved starting from the 12th year.

After that, specialists demonstrated on site the processes of planting and caring for pistachios under the district’s conditions. During the press tour, journalists received detailed answers to their questions.

It is worth noting that the “Yashilloyiha” Institute under the Committee on Ecology is currently conducting land studies, soil and climate analysis, and developing planting schemes. As a result of the project, it is planned to prevent land degradation, increase the production of export-oriented products, ensure employment for the population, and enhance the environmental sustainability of the region.