Ministry of Ecology fines 8 more greenhouse farms in Tashkent

Officials from the capital’s environmental department, along with representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Guard, and the Environmental Prosecutor’s Office, conducted inspections on the night of February 7-8. The checks covered 16 greenhouses in the Zangiota district, 13 in the Tashkent district, and 10 in the Qibray district.

The inspectors discovered that some greenhouses were using pollutants, including rubber tires, for heating. As a result, eight greenhouses were fined — five in Qibray, two in Zangiota, and one in Tashkent.

Earlier, the Ministry of Ecology reported fines imposed on 27 greenhouse owners for violating ventilation pipe regulations. Legal action has been taken against 33 farms, seeking to suspend their operations, while 166 entrepreneurs received warnings.

In mid-January, the Ministry of Ecology announced the suspension of 46 seasonal greenhouses. Additionally, 37 greenhouse owners were fined, and over 400 others were warned to install air filters.

Greenhouses without gas supply 

In the fall of 2022, greenhouse owners across the region voiced concerns over the suspension of gas supplies. The Ministry of Energy stated that the transition to “alternative fuel” was a mandatory condition in gas supply contracts.

At the time, the then head of the Presidential Administration, Sardor Umurzakov, instructed that gas supplies to greenhouses be urgently restored to protect crops. He also tasked authorities with ensuring funding for energy payments for farms in need.

Throughout 2023, multiple announcements were made about measures to switch greenhouses from gas to coal. To encourage this transition, subsidies, preferential loans, and compensation for the purchase of coal boilers were offered.

On December 12, 2024, "Hududgaztaminot" announced temporary restrictions on gas supply to greenhouses due to a sharp drop in temperatures. The restrictions were expected to be lifted once gas pressure was restored.