President Mirziyoyev Emphasizes Food Security and Agricultural Productivity
Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed proposals to enhance food security and boost the yield of cotton and grain crops during a presentation on November 25. The review follows his recent remarks at a parliamentary session, where he identified food security as a critical priority amid Uzbekistan’s growing population.
The country’s population increases by nearly 1 million people annually, posing challenges for land and water resources. To stabilize the domestic market, President Mirziyoyev underscored the need for a rational approach and productivity improvements.
The Minister of Agriculture outlined plans to cultivate crops on 4.8 million hectares in 2025, with over 2 million hectares designated for potatoes, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and melons. A monitoring system will track the placement and reservation of ten primary food products, detailing production levels and allocations for the domestic market.
In a major initiative, 260,000 hectares of land were distributed to 800,000 citizens for cultivation, promoting household-based agriculture. Inspired by the Saykhunabad model, this strategy has proven effective in generating jobs, especially for youth, and preventing sharp increases in food prices. The President called for improved management of these allocated lands, scientific support for farmers, and the adoption of advanced technologies.
Winter crop losses last year, including 9,000 hectares of gardens and 4,000 hectares of vineyards, highlighted the need for better agricultural risk management. A draft law, “On Insurance of Agricultural Risks,” was developed with foreign experts to protect farmers economically against natural disasters.
President Mirziyoyev also emphasized optimizing cotton cultivation by analyzing feedback from clusters, farmers, and industries. He urged the production of modern cotton pickers and small agricultural machinery to support household-scale farming.
Under the Yashil Makon (Green Space) national project, forest plantations are being established nationwide, with the potential for cultivating food crops along their perimeters.
The presentation also explored reforms in agricultural management systems across regions and districts. President Mirziyoyev emphasized learning from international best practices, improving potato farming techniques, and actively seeking grants and technical assistance to modernize Uzbekistan’s agricultural sector.
These measures, he affirmed, are essential for ensuring sustainable food security and boosting agricultural productivity amid growing resource constraints.
