The Horticulture Value Chain Promotion Project in Uzbekistan aims to transform the country’s horticulture sector. Funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), this ambitious project seeks to empower growers, agro-related businesses, and other key players along the horticulture value chain. Our primary goal is to enhance financial access and boost the capacities of horticulture crop growers and agro-related companies through accredited participating financing institutions.

The project, running from 2019 until 2028, focuses on improving farm management skills and increasing the export capacity of horticulture crops to promote agricultural development and employment.

Our Mission

We are dedicated to empowering stakeholders at every stage of the horticultural value chain. This includes farmers, input suppliers, processors, traders, and exporters. Our mission is to enhance productivity and quality by promoting modern agricultural practices, improved crop varieties, and efficient post-harvest handling techniques. We aim to facilitate market access by connecting Uzbek horticulture businesses with international buyers and markets. Additionally, we promote value addition by encouraging the development of processing and value-added activities within the sector, and we ensure sustainability by advocating for environmentally responsible practices and resource management.

Our Approach

To achieve our goals, we adopt a comprehensive approach. We provide training and technical assistance on best practices, market requirements, and business development. Our team conducts market research, facilitates participation in trade fairs, and connects businesses with potential partners. By showcasing the sector's potential, we attract investments into the horticulture industry. We also collaborate with government agencies and industry associations to develop supportive policies and regulations.

Achievements

Capacity building for partner financial institutions:

We have conducted 50 workshops on loan concepts and procedures for farmers and processing companies, with over 900 participants. We developed operational guidelines and reporting templates for credit disbursements to participating banks and leasing companies. Additionally, we trained over 250 bank staff in 12 areas, including leasing instruments, environmental and social management, gender finance, horticulture value chain financing, farm knowledge management, and credit risk management.

Capacity building for farmers:

We organized 66 practical training sessions at 24 horticulture demo plots across Uzbekistan, reaching 1,200 farmers, including 227 women. These demo plots were established for training with local farming partners, receiving state-of-the-art technical advice from local and international experts.

Capacity building for agro-related enterprises:

We selected 10 companies to enhance productivity, efficiency, technology, and export capabilities. We also conducted 31 coaching sessions on-site at agro-processing companies for over 80 participants.

Financing agriculture MSMEs

We selected 5 banks and leasing companies to enhance lending for selected horticulture value chains. More than 40 million USD were lent for partner financial institutions.

Notable Events and Highlights

One of the project's proud moments was the visit by the President of Uzbekistan to a demo plot of berry producer Tolibjon Khalmatov, showcasing the project's impact and success.

Impact

Our efforts have facilitated connections between Uzbek horticulture businesses and international buyers, promoted environmentally responsible practices and resource management, and contributed to employment promotion by strengthening the export capacity of horticulture crops.

We have received positive feedback from farmers and entrepreneurs who have benefited from our training sessions and demo plots. As CEO of Trustagro LLC, Zakhritdinov Ulugbek, remarked, “It was a pleasure. Thanks to all colleagues who help us to improve quality and service for our clients and people who work with us.”

We remain committed to supporting the horticulture value chain in Uzbekistan. Together, we are cultivating growth and prosperity in Uzbekistan’s horticulture sector.

For more information, visit our project web page at horticulture-project.uz or follow us on Facebook and Telegram.

For more information, please contact sigitas.bubnys@gopa-afc.de.