Strengthening Uzbekistan’s Horticulture Sector: A Path to Sustainable Growth

Uzbekistan is on the path to becoming a regional economic powerhouse. With rapid economic growth and a population approaching 37 million, the country is steadily strengthening its position in Central Asia.

Agriculture and the food-processing industry remain key drivers of this growth. For decades, cotton dominated Uzbek fields, a legacy of the Soviet era. However, cotton production also contributed to water shortages and soil degradation. Today, the Government of Uzbekistan is actively diversifying agriculture, strengthening food security, boosting local food industries, and expanding exports—while prioritizing environmental sustainability.

The Horticulture Value Chain Promotion Project, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and implemented by the Uzbek Ministry of Agriculture with GOPA AFC as the project consultant, addressed these needs. Running from August 2023 to March 2025, it became one of the largest agricultural development initiatives in Central Asia.

Sebastian Faryniarz, Team Leader of the project, noted: “Two elements are essential for transforming Uzbek agriculture: know-how and capital. Across Uzbekistan, farmers are eager to adopt new crops, modern machinery, and sustainable practices. What they often lack, however, is access to technical expertise and affordable financing. By combining capacity building with the JICA credit line, we were able to give a meaningful boost to the sector. The results are already visible — many beneficiaries of the Project are now successfully selling their products on international markets.”

Expertise and Training

A team of 20 international experts from 12 countries and 12 local specialists worked with farmers, banks, and agri-businesses. Together, they established 34 demonstration plots to test modern production technologies under real conditions. Additionally, 217 training sessions were held, reaching more than 3,600 participants, including practical field trainings for farmers and financial management workshops.

Access to Finance

Through four partner financial institutions (three commercial banks and one leasing company), farmers received loans and leasing services on favorable terms. More than 3,300 farmers gained access to financing, enabling investments in equipment, infrastructure, and new production cycles.

Global Exposure

Farmers also participated in international study tours to the EU and Japan, gaining first-hand knowledge of innovative technologies and modern farm management. Events held in Uzbekistan with international companies further expanded these opportunities. As a result, many beneficiaries not only improved their productivity but also began exporting to the EU and Japan, demonstrating that Uzbek agriculture is ready to compete on global markets.

Gender Mainstreaming

A special focus of the project was empowering women in agriculture. Female farmers and managers received tailored training, mentoring, and support, while partner banks were trained to better address gender-related challenges. This approach increased opportunities for women and strengthened the overall resilience of the sector.

Climate and Environment

Uzbekistan faces pressing challenges such as water scarcity and soil degradation, legacies of the cotton monoculture and climate change. To address these challenges, the project promoted sustainable farming practices and showcased international solutions. For example, Uzbek farmers visited the Spanish region of Murcia, which faces similar water shortages, to learn about innovative irrigation and resource management systems. However, environmental challenges remain, requiring further government action and international cooperation.

Strategic Impact

Beyond direct support to farmers, the project developed five national sector strategies for logistics, greenhouses, seedlings, processing, and product quality. These strategies are now being used by the Ministry of Agriculture to shape future policy and legislation, ensuring long-term benefits well beyond the project’s timeframe.

Recognition and Legacy

The impact of the Horticulture Value Chain Promotion Project was widely recognized by farmers, financial institutions, and the international community. Its significance was underscored by high-level visits, including President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, who personally inspected project demonstration plots, and JICA President Akihito Tanaka, who met with project beneficiaries.

The project concluded in March 2025, but its results will continue to strengthen Uzbekistan’s horticulture sector for years to come. By combining technical expertise, financing, gender empowerment, and environmental sustainability, the project has laid the groundwork for a modern, competitive, and resilient horticulture sector in Uzbekistan.

For further information, please contact: sebastian.faryniarz [at] gopa.eu (sebastian[dot]faryniarz[at]gopa[dot]eu)