BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. Uzbekistan aims to
increase its fish production to more than 500,000 tons next year
through technological modernization, financial support, and
scientific innovation.


This was reported in a statement issued by the press service of
the Uzbek President.


According to a statement, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed
a package of proposals aimed at accelerating the development of
Uzbekistan's fisheries sector, with authorities setting a goal of
increasing fish production to more than 500,000 metric tons next
year through technological modernization, financial support, and
scientific innovation.


The statement indicates that at the meeting, it was noted that
aquaculture is becoming increasingly important for food security,
rural incomes, and the efficient use of water resources. Global
trends show that farmed fish production has surpassed catches from
natural water bodies, highlighting the growing role of aquaculture
in meeting demand for protein-rich foods.


''Uzbekistan produced 206,000 tons of fish in 2025, maintaining
its position as the largest fish producer in Central Asia despite
limited water resources. The country has significant untapped
potential, supported by a network of rivers, canals, and waterways
stretching more than 173,000 kilometers,'' the statement
indicates.


During the presentation, the need to shift from traditional
lake-based fish farming toward intensive aquaculture systems that
rely on efficient water use, recirculation technologies, and modern
production methods was emphasized. They noted that intensive
farming currently accounts for less than 20% of total fish output,
despite offering significantly higher productivity and
profitability.


Authorities proposed introducing a transparent leasing system
for 329 natural lakes and reservoirs, along with 163,000 hectares
of adjacent land, while ensuring reliable water supplies for
intensive fish farms and breeding facilities.


The government also plans to expand financial support for the
sector. Proposed measures include partial reimbursement of costs
for installing recirculating aquaculture systems, subsidies for
importing breeding stock, support for the installation of solar
panels, and compensation of part of the interest costs on
preferential loans used to finance working capital. New lending
mechanisms for fish farms, including support for loans denominated
in both local and foreign currencies, are also expected to be
introduced.







According to the presentation, fully utilizing the sector's
potential could increase fish production fivefold over time,
helping meet growing domestic demand for affordable protein while
creating new economic opportunities in rural areas.


Particular attention was given to breeding and scientific
research. Authorities plan to improve the genetic quality of carp,
catfish, trout, and sturgeon, while adapting new fish species to
local climatic conditions. Beginning next year, production
facilities for trout and sturgeon are expected to be established in
foothill regions.


The Fisheries Research Institute will receive a new experimental
site along the Akhangaran River, and foreign grants will be sought
to support the development of a national carp breed.


The presentation also addressed workforce development. The plans
to establish a joint faculty specializing in fisheries and
aquaculture at the Agrarian University were reviewed in cooperation
with Russia's Astrakhan State University and China's Dalian Ocean
University.


Digitalization was identified as another key priority.
Authorities proposed creating a unified electronic platform
integrating data on water use, land resources, illegal fishing, tax
payments, and fish production volumes. Wider use of artificial
intelligence technologies is expected to help reduce costs and
improve productivity across the industry.


Mirziyoyev approved the proposals and called for further
measures to support the sector. The president instructed officials
to promote the development of fisheries through modern
technologies, scientific approaches, and effective management while
ensuring efficient water use, favorable conditions for
entrepreneurs, and greater access to affordable, high-quality fish
products for consumers.