Fergana region has great potential for the export of agricultural products. Cherries, grapes, apricots, peaches, pomegranates, persimmons, and melons grown here are gaining popularity in the global market.

In particular, the Oltiariq district has long been famous for its unique vineyards: 3284 of the 8288 hectares of vineyards available in the region are located here. The district accounts for 61 thousand 800 tons of the 208 thousand 400 tons of grapes grown in the region this year. Oltiariq varieties are in high demand in the foreign market.

Now, the famous Oltiariq grapes can be purchased in the U.S. markets: a trial batch of 1 ton was sent to the U.S. by a private enterprise, Sherakhun, in the district in early November this year, distributed to the New York NetCost chain of food shopping centers and sold out within two days. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) examined the compliance of Oltiariq grapes with quarantine requirements for export and gave a positive conclusion.

E.L.A. Superior Produce Inc., which cooperates with large stores in the U.S, and the private enterprise Sherakhun signed an export contract, according to which the first batch of Oltiariq “Lady Finger” grapes of 250 tons will be sent to the United States by plane. To ensure fast delivery in the future, the American company decided to build an FDA-licensed fruit and vegetable base in Oltiariq district and invest in creating a quarantine permit and packaging system based on the requirements of foreign standards.

The Sherakhun private enterprise, headed by entrepreneur Shavkatjon Alikulov, exports Oltiariq grapes to Russia and Belarus.

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Masudjon Sulaymonov, UzA