Uzbekistan Opens Kashkadarya Centre to Grow 5 Million Saplings

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A modern sapling-growing centre has been established in Guzar District, Kashkadarya Region, as part of Uzbekistan’s nationwide Yashil Makon (Green Space) project. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed its operations during a visit to the region.

The project is valued at 9.5 billion soums. Covering 65 hectares, the complex has created around 100 jobs. It is designed to supply mahallas with quality planting material, expand green spaces and create additional income opportunities for local residents.

Ornamental trees are grown on 50 hectares, fruit crops on five hectares, and shrubs and flowers on another three hectares. During the first phase, the centre plans to produce 1.6 million saplings annually, with output expected to increase to 5 million. Its collection includes 41 species of ornamental and coniferous trees.

The complex’s infrastructure includes a greenhouse, open growing areas, seed-germination facilities and shade structures. Three membrane reservoirs with a combined capacity of 4,200 cubic metres have been installed, while drip irrigation has been introduced across 20 hectares. The centre also uses equipment to produce compost and mulch, as well as solar panels.

Modern technologies will allow saplings to be grown throughout the year, including outside the traditional planting season. According to project estimates, this could increase production volumes eight to tenfold compared with conventional methods and reduce water consumption by three times. Production costs for saplings are also expected to fall by 30–40%.

The centre will provide greening services to mahallas, including supplying trees and shrubs, treating damaged plants, applying mulch and installing drip irrigation systems. Each mahalla is expected to be assigned a forestry mentor. Before each planting season, training sessions will be organised for members of the “mahalla seven” — local community representatives.

Local residents will also be involved in growing planting material. Under cooperative agreements, families will be able to receive young plants, grow them on their household plots for one or two seasons and then sell the mature saplings to the centre.

The centre will guarantee the purchase of the plants, providing participating families with an additional source of income.

The project supports efforts to expand green areas and strengthen the role of mahallas in local greening. Relevant measures are set out in a presidential decree dated 23 September 2026, which also establishes the “3–30–300” principle.

During his visit, Mirziyoyev emphasised the importance of the tradition of planting trees and creating gardens. He was briefed on the centre’s capacity to supply planting material to mahallas and increase household incomes.