Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 17-18 October, the Third International Forum “One Belt, One Road” and a plenary session on the topic “Joint construction of the Green Silk Road in the interests of harmonious coexistence of man and nature” took place in Beijing.

Against the backdrop of the difficult environmental situation in the region in the form of abnormal weather conditions, droughts, dust storms, land degradation and desertification, loss of biodiversity, special attention during the Forum was paid to the “Green” Silk Road initiative, which forms the general agenda of a “green” future and environmentally-oriented transformation.

In this regard, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev especially emphasized the importance of developing “smart” agriculture and reducing restrictions and barriers to mutual trade in “green” goods, especially agricultural products.

One area of sustainable agriculture is organic agriculture, which is becoming increasingly popular in the agricultural sector around the world as consumers seek healthier and more environmentally friendly food products.

Over the past decade, the global market for organic products has grown more than 6.7 times - from US$20 billion to more than US$135 billion, being one of the most dynamically developing and profitable in the world.

At the same time, the development of organic agriculture is becoming one of the important strategic directions for Uzbekistan due to several key factors that emphasize its relevance and significance.

Firstly, environmental sustainability is a key aspect. The introduction of an organic farming system helps reduce the negative impact on nature and contributes to the sustainable development of the agricultural system. According to the Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), China is one of the leaders in terms of organic production (US$6 billion).

Secondly, organic farming can provide great economic benefits. The market for organic products is growing steadily both globally and domestically. The development of organic agriculture provides Uzbek farmers and agricultural enterprises with the opportunity to increase their income by selling products at higher prices.

Thirdly, organic agriculture opens up broad prospects for exports. The production of organic products is in demand on the world market. According to the forecasts of the American marketing company Grand View Research, by 2025 the volume of the organic products market could reach up to 20% of the global market for all agricultural products, and reach about US$250 billion.

Thus, experts note that the transition to organic agriculture has significant potential and can bring significant benefits at different levels, as well as contribute to the sustainable development of the rural sector.

At the end of his speech, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also expressed confidence that the fruitful results of the forum will become an important contribution to the common cause of building a “green” future for humanity.

Akmila Mukhitdinova

Leading researcher at the International Institute of Central Asia