Uzbekistan's 2024 cotton harvest season is drawing to a close, with preliminary data indicating significant growth in the country's agricultural sector as it strives for new records. According to reports released by the leadership of the Uzbekistan Cotton Association, this year's yield has increased by approximately 15% compared to last year, achieved through the modernization of agricultural technology and favorable climatic conditions.

A sharp rise in productivity has been recorded in key cotton-growing centers such as the Fergana Valley, Kashkadarya, and Surkhandarya regions, enhancing the country's competitiveness on the global cotton market. However, experts raise concerns: issues like limited water resources and low-wage labor for agricultural workers could hinder sustainable growth.

While government representatives assess these achievements as a "success of Uzbekistan's agricultural policy," local farmers and international observers doubt the long-term sustainability of this growth. The cotton industry still relies on outdated methods, which may lead to environmental problems and social injustices, posing risks for future development.

In the coming months, the government is expected to announce plans to increase cotton exports and enter new markets, but the implementation of these plans may remain uncertain due to fluctuations in global prices and intensified competition. Uzbekistan's successes in the cotton sector are also viewed as part of efforts to strengthen the country's economic independence.

Source: uznews.uz