Pastures in Uzbekistan to be categorized: livestock grazing prohibited in some
According to the President's Resolution No. PQ-374 of October 14, 2026, a new procedure for the use of pasture lands will be introduced in Uzbekistan.
Pasturelands to be categorized in Uzbekistan: grazing to be banned in certain areas
A new procedure for the use of pasturelands is being introduced in Uzbekistan. In accordance with the President's Resolution No. PQ-374 of October 14, 2026, pastures will be divided into three categories depending on their condition, and additional measures will be taken to support livestock farms and restore land.
According to the new order, pastures will be divided into "green", "yellow", and "red" zones. Grazing livestock will be permitted in "green" zones. In "yellow" zones, rotational grazing will be mandatory in order to preserve the condition of the pasture. In "red" zones, a moratorium on livestock grazing will be introduced for at least three years.
Starting January 1, 2027, standards for the required pasture area per head of cattle or small ruminants will be established based on geobotanical analysis, not exceeding five hectares per region. These standards will be approved by the Livestock Agency.
The resolution also provides for the establishment of public pastures for mahallas. Such lands will be leased free of charge to mahalla citizens' assemblies for a period of 49 years based on decisions of district and city councils of people's deputies. A zero rate of land tax will apply to them.
Additionally, a pasture insurance system will be introduced from January 1, 2028. Pasture users will cover 50 percent of the insurance premium, while the remaining half will be covered by the Agricultural Insurance Fund using funds allocated from the state budget.
Pasture lease payments calculated from October 1, 2026, will be fully directed to regional pasture farms. In the pastures of Nishon and Guzar districts of Kashkadarya region, a satellite tracking system will be introduced as an experiment until March 1, 2027.
Furthermore, in 2026–2028, the Bukhara scientific and production center for desert-pasture forage plants plans to establish 4,100 hectares of seed-growing areas.
In accordance with the resolution, the goal is to reduce the area of degraded pastures by 10 percent by the end of 2026, and by at least 20 percent by the end of 2027.