ADB to Allocate $60 Million to Uzbekistan for Livestock Development
The project is designed for approximately 29,000 small farming households in five regions
The "Sustainable Livestock Development" project is planned for implementation in Bukhara, Kashkadarya, Navoi, and Samarkand regions, as well as in Karakalpakstan. It aims to improve farmers' access to feed, strengthen veterinary services, and enhance pasture management efficiency.
The project includes measures to adapt to droughts, extreme heat, and water shortages. Among them are pasture development, expansion of drought- and salinity-resistant fodder crop production, restoration of watering points, and increased feed accessibility.
Veterinary and advisory services are planned to be expanded using digital technologies. This includes pasture monitoring with artificial intelligence, a mobile application with recommendations and an early warning system, as well as modernization of veterinary support at the community level.
Special measures are provided for women engaged in livestock farming. They will be able to undergo specialized training, receive support in feed production, and expand their participation in entrepreneurial activities and decision-making.
In addition to the ADB loan, the project will receive a $5 million grant from the Green Climate Fund under the "Glaciers to Farms" program and a $3 million grant from the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific. According to Kanokpan Lao-Araya, Head of the ADB’s Permanent Mission in Uzbekistan, livestock farming remains an important source of income and food for rural residents but faces challenges such as droughts, extreme heat, and water shortages.
