Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 15 July, the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis adopted a law mandating new obligations for farmers regarding the use of agricultural land — particularly the cultivation of field edges and areas along irrigation infrastructure. The draft sparked extensive debate, with some lawmakers initially opposing its adoption and calling for revisions.

The law introduces amendments to the Tax Code and the Administrative Liability Code. One of the key provisions is the designation of the Agency for Plant Quarantine and Protection as the authorized body responsible for monitoring the use of land located along canals, drainage systems, and at the outer edges of fields.

Starting in 2026, farmers who fail to cultivate these designated plots will be subject to a tripled land tax — but only on the unused portion of the land, as opposed to the entire property, which was proposed in the initial version.

The law also establishes administrative fines for subtenants who violate land-use rules. The penalties were softened during the revision process: instead of fines up to 10 BRV (Base Calculation Units), the final version limits fines to between 1 and 3 BRV.

To encourage compliance, the law includes incentives for responsible land users, such as:

Free phytosanitary certificates,

Subsidies covering up to 50% of the cost of fruit seedlings,

Personal support from quarantine and plant protection specialists.

A key focus of the legislative debate was the definition of “field edge”. Committee Chairman Ravshan Mamutov explained that each year, by January 1, the Agency will compile a list of cultivable plots based on climatic and regional characteristics, while regional hokimiyats will approve field placement plans by February 1.

If a farmer is objectively unable to use the land, they are obligated to sublease it. The subleasing mechanism is designed to involve local residents, youth, and the unemployed.

The law also shifts the sowing deadline from April 1 to May 1, accommodating regional climate differences. Additionally, the administrative penalties will only take effect from 1 July 2026, in line with the current moratorium on new sanctions against business entities.

UzLiDeP leader Aktam Khaitov, speaking in favor of the law, emphasized that the changes are not aimed at burdening farmers but at improving land-use efficiency. He noted that the previous lack of clarity regarding field boundaries led to disputes with land users.

Ecological Party Chairman Abdushukur Khamzaev added that even seemingly minor uncultivated strips, when accumulated nationwide, represent hundreds of hectares and tens of thousands of tons of lost agricultural output — enough to meet the food needs of a substantial portion of the population.

Following the discussion, the law was passed in both the second and third readings and has been sent to the Senate for further consideration.