Uzbekistan's cotton harvest in 2023 reached 3.5 million tons according to official data, marking the highest yield in the past decade. The Ministry of Agriculture attributes this success to "modernizing the agricultural sector and introducing technologies," but experts warn that this growth is largely unsustainable due to reliance on traditional labor and outdated irrigation systems.

The issue of water resources used for cotton cultivation is a major concern, as the country's primary irrigation sources—the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers—face the risk of drying up. Uzbekistan's negotiations with neighboring states over water distribution are becoming increasingly complex, potentially impacting future cotton productivity.

While cotton exports remain a key source of foreign currency earnings for the country, volatility in global market prices and heightened competition threaten economic stability. The government has announced plans to diversify the cotton industry and shift towards producing additional high-value products, but implementation is progressing slowly.

Local farmers and workers have voiced complaints about harsh labor conditions and low wages during the cotton harvest. These social issues could hinder the long-term development of the cotton sector, as younger generations are moving away from agriculture.

Source: www.aljazeera.com