Tashkent, 16 April 2026 — An inception event was held for the project “Supporting camel sector development and production in Uzbekistan”, aimed at promoting the sustainable development of camel husbandry, encouraging the rational use of rangelands, and strengthening food security and climate resilience in the country’s arid areas. The event was organized in the framework of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP 2026), proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly.
Rangelands are critically important ecosystems. Globally, they cover 54 percent of the Earth’s land surface and provide livelihoods for more than 200 million pastoralists. In Uzbekistan, rangelands extend over more than 21.1 million hectares, accounting for nearly 47–50 percent of the country’s territory. At the same time, 40–50 percent of existing rangelands are affected by different levels of degradation, while livestock pressure in some areas is estimated to be twice the natural carrying capacity of the land.
For Uzbekistan, with its vast desert and foothill landscapes, the camel sector represents an important opportunity for developing climate-adapted livestock production, supporting employment in rural areas and strengthening local value chains. According to the event materials, the country currently has 17 600 camels. Most of them are concentrated in Bukhara Region with 7 800 head (44.3 percent), followed by Navoi Region with 4 200 head (24.1 percent), the Republic of Karakalpakstan with 2 100 head (11.9 percent), and Kashkadarya Region with 1 400 head (8.1 percent).
During the event, participants discussed the current condition of rangelands in Uzbekistan, the status and prospects of camel husbandry, value chain approaches in the camel sector, and relevant international experience. In line with the agenda, the programme included the signing ceremony of the project document, screenings of thematic video materials, and discussions with national and international partners. Representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Committee for Veterinary and Livestock Development, FAO, and international experts took part in the sessions. As part of the event, the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan and FAO signed the project document for “Supporting the development of camel husbandry and production in Uzbekistan”. In addition, 15 livestock farmers and sector representatives were awarded the badges of honour “O‘zbekiston Respublikasi Chorvachilik fidoiysi” in recognition of their contribution to the development of the livestock and veterinary sectors, their many years of dedicated service, and their practical experience.
The project is designed to strengthen food security and climate resilience in arid areas through the sustainable development of the camel sector. It envisages improving breeding practices, increasing productivity, strengthening institutional capacities, and preparing evidence and recommendations for the development of a National Camel Strategy. Presentation materials noted that camel husbandry in Uzbekistan is primarily based on the one-humped Arvana (dromedary) and the two-humped Kazakh Bactrian breeds. The Arvana breed can produce an average of 12 litres of milk per day and up to 3 500 litres per lactation, while the Kazakh Bactrian breed produces around 7 litres per day and up to 1 200 litres per lactation.
The event served as an important platform for promoting a more systematic development of camel husbandry in Uzbekistan, strengthening cooperation among stakeholders, and more closely linking the potential of pastoral livestock systems with sustainable agriculture and agrifood systems.
