Uzbekistan's cotton harvest in 2023 reached 3.5 million tons, according to official data, marking the highest yield in the past decade. The government attributes this success to policies aimed at modernizing agriculture and introducing new technologies, yet experts question the sustainability of this growth and its impact on the livelihoods of rural communities.

Environmental issues, including dwindling water resources and soil salinization, pose significant risks to cotton production. The Ministry of Agriculture reports that new irrigation systems have been installed to enhance water efficiency, but in practice, their widespread adoption remains limited, with traditional methods still dominating.

Economically, cotton exports continue to be a major revenue source for the country, yet volatility in global market prices and increasing competition could present future challenges. While the authorities purportedly aim to diversify the cotton industry and implement value-added projects, tangible results have been modest so far, and the long-term economic stability remains uncertain.

Source: uznews.uz