Botir Madiyorov / “Xalq So’zi” Intensive orchards and medicinal herb plantations are being established on unused agricultural lands in Sokh district.

Among them, the Sokh Saffron cooperative is cultivating saffron, a medicinal plant in high demand worldwide. The sector has expanded steadily in recent years, with efficient systems now in place for harvesting, sorting, and exporting the flowers. Last year, more than 20 kilograms of saffron were harvested from a five-hectare plot, with a significant share exported. This year, the cooperative aims to produce 50–60 kilograms of the valuable raw material.

Currently, carefully selected and processed saffron is being supplied to both domestic and international markets. Agreements have been reached to export a large portion under the company’s brand to Kuwait and Iran.

“Saffron has long been used in folk medicine to treat many illnesses. Today, raw materials from its flowers are also widely used in global cuisine and the pharmaceutical industry,” said Sokh Saffron cooperative head Rashodjon Odilboev. “Countries such as Iran, China, Italy, Turkey, France, India, and Azerbaijan have built up extensive experience in cultivating this medicinal plant.”

Uzbekistan has been actively emerging as a saffron-producing country in recent years.

Supporting the entrepreneur’s initiative, the Sokh district administration has allocated 12 hectares of land in the Vargan area, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Chashma neighborhood (mahalla). A saffron plantation now covers 5 hectares of the site. The project has created almost 100 jobs, both permanent and seasonal.