Climate change and water scarcity have become critical factors for the global agricultural sector. Analysts view Uzbekistan as one of the potentially strong exporters of fruit and vegetable products, but this is only possible with increased investment in irrigation systems and the adoption of climate-resilient technologies.
Damage from Natural Disasters
According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), natural disasters caused $3.26 trillion in damage to agriculture between 1991 and 2023, resulting in the loss of 2.8 billion tons of fruits and vegetables.
Water as a Strategic Resource
Katerina Zvereva, head of the international platform EastFruit and an agribusiness specialist, emphasizes that climate threats are no longer temporary problems but are now a key element determining profitability and investment directions in the industry. The expert noted that since drought is responsible for 54% of losses in European agriculture, water inevitably becomes one of the most important strategic resources in fruit and vegetable production.
According to her forecasts, by 2030, the availability of a reliable irrigation system could influence producers' competitiveness even more significantly than the size of their agricultural land.
Prospects for Uzbekistan's Fruit and Vegetable Market
Researchers note that Uzbekistan is one of the fastest-growing fruit and vegetable markets in Central Asia. The country is actively increasing the volume of production and export of crops such as cherries, table grapes, stone fruits, and vegetables. Uzbekistan's advantages include low labor costs, high production potential, and existing investments in logistics, cold storage facilities, and modern warehouses.
The country's strengthening position in the global fruit and vegetable market depends on continued investment in climate-resilient methods and irrigation.
Dependence on Water Resource Management
The further development of the agricultural sector is directly linked to the efficiency of water resource management. Uzbekistan, along with Spain, Italy, Morocco, Egypt, and Turkey, is among the group of countries where fruit and vegetable production is extremely sensitive to water availability. In the coming years, access to modern irrigation systems will determine the sustainability of plantations, crop selection, final cost, and overall business profitability.
According to experts, the global market is moving towards a new paradigm where producers who can effectively use water, implement advanced irrigation methods, and create developed infrastructure for export and storage will gain an advantage.
Previously, three state agencies of Uzbekistan approved the Concept of Integrated Water Resource Management of the Lower Amu Darya. This document aims to minimize environmental risks, preserve ecosystems, and ensure rational water use.