Inside Uzbekistan's agricultural transformation: Technology, investment and food security

Agriculture remains an important part of Uzbekistan's economy, but the sector faces growing pressure to increase productivity while managing limited land and water resources.The government is introducing new farming methods, irrigation systems and digital technologies to improve crop yields and support domestic food production, while helping producers compete in international markets.According to Agriculture Minister Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov, Uzbekistan produces around 26 million tonnes of fruit and vegetables annually, with agricultural products reaching 92 international markets.The government aims to increase food exports to $10bn (€8.6bn) by 2030. It has also designated 2026–2030 as a priority period for food security, focusing on domestic production and reducing dependence on certain imports.Higher yields and modern fruit productionOne of the government's priorities is to increase agricultural output without relying solely on expanding cultivated land."We are paying particular attention to increasing yields through scientific research and the introduction of new innovations. This is important, first and foremost, from the perspective of food security," said Shamshod Ergashev, Head of the Secretariat of the Minister of Agriculture.In 2025, cotton was grown on approximately 875,600 hectares, compared with more than one million hectares in previous years. Despite the reduction, production reached nearly four million tonnes, according to Ergashev.He also said Uzbekistan harvested 10 million tonnes of grain in 2026, partly due to improved seed treatment and planting methods.Uzbekistan has around…