Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – Experts from the Institute for Forecasting and Macroeconomic Research (IPMI) analyzed measures to stimulate the development of agriculture in the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2017-2022.

During the period under review, significant reforms in agriculture were implemented, which brought a new impetus to the development of this sector.

In particular, such significant measures as approval of the Strategy for the Development of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2020-2030, the introduction of a cluster system, trade liberalization and export promotion, the possibility of leasing (subleasing) agricultural land, providing subsidies for the introduction of water-saving technologies, opening AKIS Agricultural Services Centers and others were carried out.

The opportunities created have had a positive impact on the development of the agricultural sector in the country. Thus, cotton yield increased from 23.8 c/ha in 2017 to 34.0 c/ha in 2022, the share of irrigated areas on which water-saving technologies have been introduced increased from 1.7% to 24%. 465 clusters of various directions have been created.

Changes in legislation related to trade liberalization and export promotion made it possible to increase the export of fruits and vegetables by 1.7 times in 2017-2022: from USD 652.3 million to USD 1,134.3 million.

Currently, there are 3142 greenhouses operating in the republic, 1622 of which have been built over the past 5 years. Their total area is more than 6300 hectares.

As a result of the reforms, Uzbekistan in 2019-2022 improved its position in the Global Food Security Index by 12 positions, rising from 85th to 73rd place.