The first apricots of 2026 have ripened in Uzbekistan—marking not only the beginning of the agricultural season, but also a new wave of agrotourism.
According to media reports, the earliest fruits traditionally appear in the southern part of the country, in the Surkhandarya Region, where the mild climate allows for the earliest harvests. In the orchard of farmer Ikrom Usmanov from Termez, the first fruits have already been picked, and he estimates his total yield for 2026 at around one ton.
However, this news reflects far more than just the start of a harvest. In Uzbekistan, the apricot is not merely a fruit—it is a cultural symbol, a gastronomic brand, and an increasingly востребованный туристический продукт (in demand tourism product).
Uzbekistan ranks among the global leaders in apricot cultivation, consistently holding one of the top positions in both production and export. According to global rankings, Uzbekistan holds:
- 2nd place in the world in apricot production, after Turkey
- In 2025, Uzbekistan exported 23.4 thousand tons of apricots worth $18.8 million USD
- 2nd place globally in apricot exports, after Italy
Exported varieties include Kandak, Subkhani, Isfarak, Korsadyk, Ruhi Juvanon, Khurmoy, Shalakh, Yubileiny, and Navoi—each known for its unique taste and quality.
Today, apricot orchards are becoming new points of attraction for travelers. During the harvest season, regions such as Surkhandarya Region, the Fergana Valley, and Samarkand Region offer a unique form of leisure—agrotourism experiences that include participation in harvesting. Visitors do not merely observe; they become part of the process: picking apricots, tasting fresh fruit straight from the tree, and learning about cultivation techniques and local farming traditions.
Another rapidly developing segment is gastronomic tourism. In Uzbek cuisine, apricots are used not only fresh but also in dozens of dishes—from traditional dried apricots (kuraga) to refined desserts, meat sauces, and even beverages. The process of drying apricots under the open sun is a cultural phenomenon in itself, one that can easily become a tourist attraction.
Looking ahead, the apricot season has the potential to evolve into a full-scale event tourism experience. Apricot festivals, farmers’ markets, gastronomic competitions, and мастер-классы (master classes) could attract both domestic and international tourists. This model is already успешно implemented in Mediterranean and Central Asian countries, and Uzbekistan has all the resources to become a regional leader in this field.
The synergy between agriculture and tourism opens new opportunities for regional development. Apricot orchards are not only a source of export revenue but also a platform for job creation, small business growth, and the promotion of the national brand.
The 2026 season is just beginning, but it is already clear: Uzbek apricots are more than just a harvest. They tell a story of flavor, tradition, and opportunity—one that has the power to attract thousands of tourists seeking authentic experiences and living culture.
Prepared by:
Kabuljan Kadyrovich Adilov
Executive Director of the Public Association Fund “Agroinnovatsiya”
