Uzbekistan - Country Commercial Guide
Agricultural Sectors

This is a best prospect industry sector for this country.  Includes a market overview and trade data.

Last published date: 2021-10-10

Overview

Agriculture is an important sector of Uzbekistan’s economy, accounting for approximately 28% of GDP and employing about 27% of the labor force. Cotton and grain are the country’s principal crops, but the elimination of quotas and price controls in 2020-2021 will facilitate a shift to higher-value fruit and vegetable cultivation. Exports of agricultural products contributed approximately 8.8% to Uzbekistan’s external earnings in 2020. The government hopes to increase agricultural productivity through the adoption of new technologies, and to further develop processing and packaging capabilities to add value to domestic and export products. Loans and grants in the amount of $600 million will be attracted to digitalize agriculture, increase land fertility, and introduce modern agricultural technologies. Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Centers will be created in 2021 in all regions, providing more than 100 types of agricultural services on a one-stop shop basis, including such important services as improving soil conditions, combating plant diseases, and selecting seeds. Uzbekistan also needs to invest in modernization of the existing infrastructure: it is estimated that $826 million will be spent on modernization of 299 pumping stations in 2021-2026. The government plans to develop the country’s textile sector, improve the value-added chain and hence process more of its own raw cotton into intermediary or consumer goods for export.

To improve the country’s food security, the Government of Uzbekistan has emphasized wheat production and supported poultry and animal farming over the past few years.  Moreover, the profitability of fresh fruit and vegetables has increased in recent years and local farmers have aggressive plans for developing export markets for these products.

 

2018

2019

2020

2021 estimated

Total Local Production

14,086

14,775

15,041

15,400

Total Exports

1,319

1,436

1,336

1,800

Total Imports

1,259

1,609

1,851

2,000

Imports from the US

2.3

1.07

10.4

N/A

Total Market Size*

14,026

14,948

15,556

15,600

Exchange Rates**

8,069

8,839

10,056

10,600

*Total market size = (total local production + imports) – exports
** Exchange Rates = Uzbek soums per $1.
Units: $ millions
Source: The State Statistics committee of Uzbekistan. Data for 2021 was estimated by Post using company project implementation progress reports.  Imports from the U.S. data is from the U.S. census bureau. 

Leading Sub-Sectors

  • Cattle breeding and poultry farming
  • Seeds and seedlings (berries, fruits, nuts, vegetables, melons)
  • Seeds and seedlings of ornamental plants (flowers)
  • Technical solutions for microclimate control in greenhouses
  • Mills producing feed and feed additives for poultry
  • Storage, packaging and processing of fresh vegetables and fruits
  • Water-saving irrigation technologies
  • Pumping stations for water supply systems.

Opportunities

For specific opportunities, businesses should contact companies involved in the Uzbekistan’s agricultural industry. 

Resources

U.S.  companies and individuals interested in learning more about upcoming procurements and export opportunities are encouraged to visit the following websites: