Priority areas for ensuring food security in Uzbekistan

Priority areas for ensuring food security in Uzbekistan

The globalization of the global economy, a series of crises, including pandemics, natural disasters and geopolitical challenges, have significantly increased the need for countries to ensure food security. In such conditions, this problem acquires strategic importance for each State. For Uzbekistan, food security is of paramount importance, as it directly affects the socio-economic stability of the country, the standard of living and the well-being of the population. In 2023, 24 percent of the 14 million people employed in the economy (i.e. 3.4 million people) worked in agriculture, forestry and fisheries. The share of agriculture in the country's gross domestic product is 19.2 percent. This indicates that the industry plays an important role not only in ensuring food security, but also in increasing employment and foreign exchange earnings through exports. Thanks to the diversification of production in agriculture, the introduction of cluster and cooperative systems, the widespread use of modern agricultural technologies, as well as the support of household farms, it was possible to increase the volume and quality of products. These measures are aimed both at providing the population with high-quality food, as well as at reducing imports and strengthening the national food system. By the end of 2024, the total volume of products and services in the fields of agriculture, forestry and fisheries in Uzbekistan amounted to 36.9 billion dollars. This is 3.1 percent more than in 2023. The growth is primarily due to the digitalization of the industry, the widespread introduction of the cluster system and the implementation of reforms focused on the cultivation of export products. Currently, Uzbekistan exports over 180 types of agricultural and food products to more than 80 countries. This indicates the growing international demand for domestic agro-industrial products and the strengthening of our republic's position in the global food market. In 2024, exports of food products and live cattle totaled $2.2 billion, equivalent to 8.1 percent of the country's total exports. At the same time, imports of this product category reached $3.7 billion, accounting for 9.5 percent of the total import structure. This indicates that today a significant part of the food demand is still covered by foreign markets. In this regard, it is necessary to expand domestic production and effectively use resources in this area. As a result of the systemic policy aimed at reforming agriculture and developing horticulture, along with the stabilization of food supply to the domestic market, the export potential is consistently growing. In the areas of fruit and vegetable growing, melon growing and viticulture, the production of competitive, high-quality products is achieved. The volume of exports of organic and processed products is expanding especially rapidly, which remains in high demand in foreign markets. Last year, Uzbekistan exported 2,036.2 thousand tons of fruits and vegetables, which is 15.8 percent more than in 2023. The total value of exports of fruit and vegetable products amounted to 1549.5 million dollars, which is 31.2 percent more than in the previous year. This growth rate indicates an expansion of production in the agricultural sector of the country and an increase in export potential. At the same time, the share of these products in Uzbekistan's total exports amounted to 5.8 percent. A significant increase in exports of fruits and vegetables indicates the strengthening of Uzbekistan's position in international markets and an increase in the export orientation of the national economy. The Law on Food Security, adopted in 2025, was an important step towards strengthening the country's food security and the legal framework governing relations in this area. The document is aimed at strengthening control over the quality and safety of food products, ensuring sustainable development and strengthening the role of the agri-food sector in the national economy. At the same time, the law serves as a tool for implementing measures to ensure food security, integrate the country's food sector into global markets, and strengthen production and control compliance with international standards. Uzbekistan's cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an important component of the country's strategic efforts to ensure food security and sustainable development. It is carried out by studying the best practices of developed countries and adapting them to the national policies and practices of Uzbekistan. In particular, during the international conferences held in Samarkand, the effective practices of developed countries in the field of food security were analyzed, as well as ways to adapt it to the realities of Uzbekistan were discussed. This, in turn, reflects the effectiveness of the efforts being made and the strengthening of the country's position in this area. The reforms carried out in Uzbekistan are in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including ensuring food security, improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture. The measures implemented within the framework of these goals contribute to strengthening the socio-economic stability of the country and long-term economic growth. In order to ensure food security in Uzbekistan, large-scale reforms in agriculture are being implemented. Firstly, part of the lands that traditionally specialized in the cultivation of cotton and grain has been reoriented to the production of vegetables, legumes and melons. This helps to increase the volume of food production, eliminate shortages in the domestic market and improve the food supply to the population. Secondly, the introduction of cluster and cooperative systems in agriculture has significantly increased the potential for processing, storing and exporting products. It is planned to expand the production of high-value-added products in 2025, which is one of the priorities for the development of the food industry. Thirdly, the state provides preferential loans and subsidies for household farms, which enable the population to grow products on their own plots, thereby enriching local markets. In addition, innovative solutions and modern technologies play an important role in strengthening food security. In particular, the introduction of blockchain technology makes it possible to effectively control product quality and increase the transparency of supply chains. At the same time, the improvement of the agrologistic system and the modernization of storage facilities can significantly reduce product losses. As a result of the reforms carried out, Uzbekistan has significantly increased the level of self-sufficiency in food products and reduced dependence on imports. Food security depends not only on quantity, but also on the quality and safety of food. In Uzbekistan, the regulatory framework has been strengthened in this direction, and norms related to the quality and safety of food products are mandatory for legal entities and individuals. Strict control is carried out over compliance with sanitary, veterinary and phytosanitary regulations. The food industry has implemented HACCP and GHP systems, fundamental food safety tools that are used in the food industry to reduce risks. In addition, citizens, civil society institutions, non-governmental non-profit organizations, and the media are actively involved in public quality control of food products. Attention to nutrition issues has been increased, and government propaganda campaigns are being implemented in the country. It should be especially noted that the State Program for the current year sets the task of strengthening educational work among the population on healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition. This, in turn, helps to raise awareness among citizens, promote health and prevent diseases. There are a number of important challenges facing food security. First, climate change, drought and water scarcity have a negative impact on agricultural productivity. Secondly, global crises such as the pandemic, economic instability and fluctuations in the global economy pose risks to food supply. In order to reduce these risks, Uzbekistan is implementing measures to create reserves and reduce dependence on imports. A sharp rise in food prices can affect household incomes and disrupt economic stability. The Government strives to ensure price stability through preferential loans and a price monitoring system. The level of poverty also remains a serious problem. For 2025, the urgent tasks are to determine the extent of poverty and increase the economic availability of food. In addition, the lack of scientific research and qualified personnel in the field of food security negatively affects the development of this area. It is necessary to introduce effective educational programs and trainings. Our country is implementing a Strategy to ensure food security of the Republic of Uzbekistan and healthy nutrition until 2030, which provides for the effective use of resources to improve the living conditions of the population. In particular, the water management system is being improved, land fertility is increasing, and food production is increasing. It is also planned to modernize agriculture and double exports by attracting foreign and domestic investments. Strengthening cooperation with international organizations, in particular with FAO, is essential to ensure food security.

 Iskander Kurakbayev,

 an expert at the Center for Sustainable Development.