Agricultural subsidy and insurance systems to be improved
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation outlining proposals to improve agricultural subsidy and insurance systems.
In recent years, the scope of government support for agriculture has expanded, and subsidy allocation processes are gradually being digitized. This year, the number of subsidy areas and types in the sector has increased to 29 and 91, respectively, with 2.7 trillion UZS allocated for these purposes. In several areas, applications are generated proactively, and payment processing times have been significantly reduced.
During the presentation, it was noted that subsidies should not only compensate for costs but also be linked to the achievement of specific results. Starting next year, a phased transition from a “fund allocation” model to a “performance-based subsidy” model was proposed.
Under the new system, key criteria will include crop yields, water and energy savings, and output volume per unit of resources used. All data will be obtained automatically from the information systems of the relevant government agencies and organizations, eliminating human involvement. An electronic profile will be created for each subsidy recipient, and performance will be monitored online.
Initially, this mechanism will be piloted to introduce water-saving technologies. For two to three years after a subsidy is provided, water consumption, crop yields, and water-use efficiency will be assessed. If the established targets are not met, a mechanism for recovering the subsidy funds will be implemented. This will help ensure the targeted and efficient use of public funds.
During the presentation, particular attention was paid to improving the agricultural insurance system. At present, many processes have been digitized through the Agrosafe information system, from submitting electronic applications to issuing contracts and policies, conducting monitoring and assessments, and paying insurance claims.
Plans call for expanding insurance coverage to include seedlings and trees in orchards and vineyards, imported livestock, and risks associated with accidental events. In addition, new insurance products will be introduced for livestock farming and for the cultivation of melons, potatoes, and onions.
The 2027 target is to provide insurance coverage to 45,000 agricultural enterprises, increase insurance coverage for agricultural products to 60 percent, train 500 independent experts, and fully digitize insurance services.
Under the new approach, in addition to compensating for losses, priority will be given to risk prevention. It was proposed that 3-5 percent of insurance premiums be allocated to a special fund to support vaccination, preventive and veterinary services in livestock farming, biological protection measures in cotton and grain production, and the installation of protective equipment against natural disasters in horticulture and viticulture.
The President emphasized that subsidy and insurance systems should, above all, be simple and convenient for farmers, and that public funds should be directed toward achieving specific results. Instructions were given to minimize human involvement, ensure transparency in these processes, provide fair assessments of insured events, and ensure prompt payment of insurance claims.
The officials responsible were instructed to finalize the proposals and submit drafts of the relevant legal acts.
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