BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 26
By Klavdiya Romakayeva - Trend:
Uzbekistan’s Agrobank will open a credit line for 150 billion soums ($14 million) to support the development of agrochemical services, Trend reports with reference to the press service of the president of Uzbekistan.
It is reported that the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on May 25 held a meeting on measures to improve the plant protection system, as well as an effective deployment of agrochemical services in the field.
According to the information, the supply of mineral fertilizers and chemicals is one of the areas of Uzagrokimehimoya JSC, but in recent years, clusters, farms and other companies have begun to deal with it. The demand for this area of work and other services of Uzagrokimehimoya is falling. In this regard, it was proposed at the meeting to abolish the enterprise and transfer its powers and functions to other structures.
It is noted that the functions of plant protection and locust control will be transferred to the State Plant Quarantine Inspectorate. The Uzbekipaksanoat Association, its member clusters, as well as regional khokimiyats (administration) will deal with the fight against the unpaired silkworm. The supplies of mineral fertilizers and chemicals will be entirely transferred to the private sector. Entrepreneurs will also provide services for the chemical treatment of plants on a competitive basis.
In addition, the head of state instructed to open biological laboratories and "plant clinics", attract qualified agronomists and entomologists, and create a network of agrochemical services available to every farmer.
It is reported that financial support for the development of the sector will be provided by Agrobank. At the first stage, the bank will open a credit line for 150 billion soums ($14 million) for the organization of laboratories, the purchase of equipment and machinery, and the issuance of working capital to service enterprises.
In addition, interest on loans for laboratory and other equipment purchased by entrepreneurs, in the part exceeding the base rate, will be compensated from the budget. The Entrepreneurship Support Fund will provide a loan guarantee in the amount of up to 50 percent.
Entrepreneurs will be able to count on compensation for 30 percent of the costs of laboratory analysis of soil and plant composition provided to farmers and dehkans (family farms). The current tax rates for entrepreneurs providing biological and chemical services will be reduced by 50 percent.
In addition, the head of state pointed out the need to expand services for the protection of fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs and flowers in cities.
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