In 2007 Uzbek Karokuli signed export contracts to deliver astrakhan worth US$3.38 million which is 53.6% more compared with contracts of 2006, a report by Uzbekistan Today news agency said.

The Head of Production and Breeding Coordination Department of Uzbek Karokuli Kenjaboy Madaminov said that the lambing season which is of great importance for sheep farmers passed successfully. In astrakhan breeding farms every hundred of 1.66 million ewes had 104 lambs. Owing to efficient work of farmers of Uzbek Karokuli the astrakhan livestock reached 2.68 million that is as more as 18,100 than that of last year, and 884,000 lambs are left for growing.

Specialists note the increase of demand for the Uzbek astrakhan goods in recent years. They are sold by signing direct contracts as well as in international auctions. Every year the Bukhara astrakhan enjoys more popularity here, and it successfully competes with grey Afghan and black Namibian astrakhans.

The Uzbek astrakhan farmers intend to show them and take stable positions in international fur auctions in Toronto (Canada) and Helsinki (Finland). According to K. Madaminov, development of Uzbek Karokuli is primarily connected with expansion of astrakhan output because demand for the Bukhara astrakhan is evident in the world market.

The increase of astrakhan export results in creating new competitive types of caracul sheeps having popular coloration today.