Uzbekistan's cotton harvest in 2024 is showing significant growth, approaching historical highs, which reflects the outcomes of agricultural reforms in the country. According to state statistics, the harvest volume has increased by 8% compared to the previous year, attributed to the modernization of agro-technologies and investments in farm enterprises.

Government representatives have hailed this growth as a "significant achievement of agrarian transformations," but some experts raise questions about the sustainability of these figures and their broader economic benefits. The cotton industry continues to face challenges such as water scarcity and volatility in global market prices, which could hinder future progress.

Data from the Ministry of Agriculture indicates that cotton fields cover 1.2 million hectares, primarily concentrated in the Fergana Valley and Kashkadarya region. Farmers have boosted yields through the adoption of new irrigation systems and high-yield varieties, yet environmental impacts and water efficiency issues remain unresolved concerns.

Economists emphasize the contribution of cotton exports to national revenues but warn of the need for diversification in agricultural production. While authorities continue to promote the cotton sector, socio-economic difficulties in rural areas, including low wages and youth migration to cities, are observed trends.

Source: www.aljazeera.com