Uzbekistan is aggressively pursuing large-scale structural changes designed to eliminate rural poverty and establish long-term stability within its agricultural sector. These comprehensive reforms are bolstered by crucial assistance from major international bodies, including the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the OPEC Fund. Early indicators already demonstrate substantial success in elevating citizens' quality of life.
Minister of Agriculture Ibrohim Abdurakhmonov, who has held the position since October 2023, recently presented a detailed report on these integrated measures. A landmark achievement highlighted was the complete eradication of forced and child labor practices within the nation’s crucial cotton industry. This shift signals a firm commitment to adopting more ethical and sustainable farming methodologies. Concurrently, the private sector is becoming increasingly engaged in the agrarian economy. Supporting this momentum, the OPEC Fund provided a loan of 70 million euros in December 2024 to finance the Second Program for the Development of an Inclusive and Sustainable Market Economy.
Statistical data underscores the rapid pace of positive change. The national poverty rate has seen a dramatic decrease, falling from 23% in 2019 to 11% in 2023. The country’s leadership has set an ambitious target to further reduce this figure to just 6% by the close of 2025, aligning with the goal of completely eradicating extreme poverty by 2030, consistent with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Commenting on the nation's trajectory, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that the economy has effectively doubled in recent years. Furthermore, projections indicate that the per capita income is expected to reach $3500 by the end of the current year, reflecting robust economic expansion driven by these reforms.
Uzbekistan’s dedication to bolstering food security has garnered significant international recognition. The nation secured the top position among ten countries that registered the greatest improvement in the Global Food Security Index between 2019 and 2022. Financial backing has been substantial; the World Bank allocated $2.1 billion between 2018 and 2021 specifically to support reforms aimed at stimulating economic growth and creating essential employment opportunities.
The strategic move away from relying solely on cotton monoculture has empowered farmers, such as Yokutkhon Abdullaeva, to diversify their cultivation efforts. They are now transitioning toward more profitable ventures, notably horticulture. Studies confirm that regions like the Tashkent, Samarkand, and Fergana areas exhibit a higher index of crop diversification. This variety not only aids in superior risk management but also significantly strengthens local food self-sufficiency across the country.