Priority areas for ensuring food security in Uzbekistan

For Uzbekistan, food security is of paramount importance, since it directly affects the socio-economic stability of the country, the standard of living and well-being of the population.

In 2023, 24 percent of the 14 million citizens employed in the economy (that is, 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 increasing 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 support for household plots, it was possible to increase the volume and quality of products. These measures are aimed at providing the population with high-quality food products, reducing imports and strengthening the national food system.

According to the results of 2024, the total volume of products and services in the fields of agriculture, forestry and fisheries in Uzbekistan amounted to $ 36.9 billion. 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 aimed at growing export products.

Currently, Uzbekistan exports over 180 types of agricultural and food products to more than 80 countries. This indicates a growing international demand for domestic agro-industrial products and the strengthening of our republic's position in the global food market. In 2024, the export of food products and livestock amounted to $2.2 billion, which is equivalent to 8.1 percent of the country's total exports. At the same time, imports of this category of products 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 a systemic policy aimed at reforming agriculture and developing horticulture, along with stabilizing the food supply of the domestic market, the export potential is also 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, for which there remains a high demand in foreign markets, is expanding especially rapidly. 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 fruit and vegetable exports amounted to $1,549.5 million, up 31.2 percent from the previous year. This growth rate indicates an expansion of production in the country's agricultural sector 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 fruit and vegetable exports indicates a 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 agro-food sector in the national economy.

At the same time, the law serves as a tool for implementing measures to ensure food security security, integration of the country's food sector into global markets, strengthening 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, and ways of adapting them to the realities of Uzbekistan were discussed. This, in turn, reflects the effectiveness of the efforts taken and the strengthening of the country's position in this area.

The reforms carried out in Uzbekistan are consistent 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 country's socio-economic stability and long-term economic growth.

In order to ensure food security, large-scale reforms are being implemented in agriculture in Uzbekistan. Firstly, some of the lands traditionally specialized in growing cotton and grain have 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 food security for the population.

Secondly, the introduction of cluster and cooperative systems in agriculture has significantly increased the potential for processing, storing and exporting products. In 2025, it is planned to expand the production of products with high added value, which is one of the priority areas for the development of the food industry.

Thirdly, the state provides preferential loans and subsidies for household plots, 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 allows for effective control of product quality and increases the transparency of supply chains.

At the same time, improving the agro-logistics system and modernizing storage facilities can significantly reduce product losses. As a result of the reforms, Uzbekistan has significantly increased its level of self-sufficiency in food products and reduced its dependence on imports.

Food security depends not only on the quantity, but also on the quality and safety of food products. In Uzbekistan, the regulatory framework has been strengthened in this area, and the standards regarding the quality and safety of food products are mandatory for legal entities and individuals. Strict control is exercised over compliance with sanitary, veterinary and phytosanitary rules. The HACCP and GHP systems have been introduced in the food industry - fundamental tools for ensuring food safety, which 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 the implementation of public control over the quality of food products.

Attention to issues of proper nutrition has been increased, and state 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 lifestyles and proper nutrition. This, in turn, helps to increase citizen awareness, improve health and prevent diseases. There are a number of important challenges to ensuring food security.

First, climate change, drought and water shortages have a negative impact on agricultural productivity.

Second, global crises such as the pandemic, economic instability and fluctuations in the global economy pose risks to food supply. In order to mitigate these risks, Uzbekistan is implementing measures to create reserves and reduce dependence on imports.

A sharp rise in food prices can affect the income of the population and disrupt economic stability. The state seeks to ensure price stability through preferential lending and a price monitoring system.

The level of poverty also remains a serious problem. For 2025, urgent tasks are to determine the scale of poverty and increase the economic availability of food products.

In addition, the lack of scientific research and qualified personnel in the field of food security negatively affects the development of this sphere. It is necessary to introduce effective educational programs and trainings.

Our country is implementing the Strategy for Ensuring Food Security of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Healthy Nutrition until 2030, which provides for the efficient 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 volumes are increasing.

It is also planned to modernize agriculture and double exports by attracting foreign and domestic investment. Strengthening cooperation with international organizations, in particular with FAO, is important for ensuring food security.

Conducting educational work among the population on healthy nutrition and food security, improving the system of training qualified personnel remain among the key tasks. In addition, the widespread use of digital technologies and innovations helps to increase the efficiency of the entire food supply chain.

Uzbekistan has already achieved significant success in the field of food security. At the same time, in order to eliminate existing problems and prepare for global economic changes, it is necessary to continue and intensify efforts in this direction. It is important not only to modernize agriculture, diversify production and develop the agricultural sector, but also to strengthen international cooperation.

Iskandar Urokboev,

expert at the Center for Sustainable Development.