Turn Around Mantra For Uzbek Farm Sector

By Prof Nirmala Joshi

Agriculture has been the mainstay of Uzbekistan’s   economy for centuries and continues to be a significant source of livelihood for the people. Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley is one of the most fertile regions in Central Asia.   Watered by the Amu darya and the Syr darya agriculture has consequently prospered in the area. Uzbekistan’s principal produce is high quality cotton and grain. In terms of produce Uzbekistan is the fifth largest producer of cotton fibre   in the world and is its main item of export.
An equally noteworthy aspect is that fruits and vegetables grow in abundance in Uzbekistan. Some of it is processed and exported , though the food processing and light industry needs to be further strengthened. Agriculture’s contribution to the national GDP is 22.5%. Today, only if, investments can flow into   this sector agriculture would certainly flourish. A point that needs to be borne in mind is that the unexpected independence, in 1991, the dislocation that followed   in the wake of break up of the Soviet Union, the simultaneous initiation   of a systemic   transformation in the absence of experience and expertise and an uncertain external   environment had an impact on slowing down the process of transformation. The recent    global financial and economic crisis has   affected Uzbekistan   to a certain extent. It may be mentioned that agriculture has been privatized   and small business and family holdings are performing well.
In order to deal with the unprecedented   crisis President Islam Karimov launched the Anti Crisis Program last year ( 2009 – 2012 ) . The main thrust of the Program was to neutralize the negative effects of the crisis on the Uzbek economy. Among other issues agriculture also received a high priority in the Program. With food security   gradually assuming   a centre stage in international politics and the world community being concerned about this   issue,   President    Karimov had the foresight    to comprehend that   food   in security   could lead   to a human crisis on a massive scale. Consequently in the Anti Crisis Program    agriculture was given a high priority   was accorded to making agriculture efficient as well as prosperous.   It was necessary to upgrade ageing agricultural machinery , modernize and provide with adequate infrastructure   services. Incidentally, in 2009 a record harvest of 7.3   million tons was recorded; out of which 6.61 m tons was grain a record figure.
At the same time incentives were offered to small business and family holdings. . Other measures included optimization of land holdings, reclamation policy etc. For instance, the optimization of land allotments was raised from 37 hectares to 97.7 hectares,   vegetables from 10 to 24.7 hectares, cattle breeding from 154 to 164.5 hectares . Such optimization of land policy proved favourable to agriculture. Similarly, the policy of land   reclamation of land resulted in over 240, 000 hectares of irrigated    land being further improved.    It was officially reported that almost 100 % of agricultural output in 2008 came   from family small holdings.. Incidentally the livestock sector which is within the framework of small business and family holdings   has performed extremely well producing over 95 % of meat and milk output. according to the Economic   Intelligence Unit of London .
In the second year of its implementation Anti Crisis Program continues to accord the same importance to agriculture.   President Karimov   has announced several measures as an impetus to agriculture in the current year.   A high incentive has been placed on small business and family holdings . The financial allocation has been increased   and the establishment of the Qishlog Qurilish Bank ( Rural Construction Bank ) which would facilitate the work of small business and importantly   generate employment are some of the measures introduced   this year.   Improvement in transportation and huge allocation for rural   housing are other measures introduced . Probably an incentive to check migration from rural areas to urban centres. Stability in the countryside is crucial for the people as well as the state .
Another key aspect of President   Karimov’s Address to the Oily Majlis , Uzbek Parliament on the Anti Crisis Program was    a strong emphasis on building a   vibrant   civil society . In his words “ From a strong state to a strong civil society “ In this context it is significant that he mentioned   the Mahallas ( neighbourhood community   areas ) an ancient and an unique   Uzbek organisation that has always played a yeoman’s role at the local level by resolving local issues in an amicable manner and promoting the cause of peoples welfare.   A forceful argument in favour of the Non   Governmental Organisations ( NGOs ) particularly the Mahallas reflect the   urgent need of   motivating and inspiring   the people and   urging their    participation in the task of reconstructing the economy.    Involvement of the people and local effort is crucial   in order   to move ahead.
With a focus on increased peoples participation   the NGOs can play a significant role in this endeavour. It would not be wrong to state the NGOs capability is primarily at the local level as well as in certain specific areas . With small   business    and family holdings occupying a important place in the national   agenda NGOs role could be salutary. In the sphere of agriculture what kind of a   role can NGOs play?

First; the NGOs can demonstrate and train the people in efficient use of water and its better management . Today water is a hotly contested issue in Central Asia   and also water scarcity   could emerge    due to global warming . This    makes water conservation an essential and an urgent need.   In this sphere the NGOs can    play an educative role. Drip irrigation, use of new and innovative technologies to conserve water are some of the areas where the NGOs can give wide   publicity .
Second, spreading awareness about new and efficient technologies , a point stressed by President Karimov in his recent Address.   The scope for NGOs to play a role in small business and family holdings   is indeed immense. Processing of raw cotton or cotton fibre the biggest cash crop of Uzbekistan could benefit by bringing in innovative technology. Earlier the silk worm industry was a flourishing one and that with the help o f NGOs    can be revived . .Whether it is raising livestock or milk productions or improved quality of cattle breeding are potential areas where NGOs can be gainfully engaged with.
Third, NGOs can assist small business and family holdings in acquiring the necessary tools in order to enhance their prospects. . For instance helping business to acquire funds from e bank s’ In this regard the Mahallas can play a positive role as they are well versed in local matters   and thereby help the needy farmers and the vulnerable section on the one hand , and the state authorities on the other hand.   The NGOs can create   awareness about high yielding seeds , scientific method of cattle breeding and poultry and their proper care.
Fourth, , with increased focus on transportation , rural housing and food and light industries especially in the countryside the scope for NGOs is indeed enormous. Here the Mahallas can discuss and debate the need of their village or areas of their operation as they are working at the grass-root level. The outcome of such discussions can provide valuable inputs into the national effort.
Fifth,   the concept of ‘ home based labour ‘ connected with industrial production can be now extended to women groups . Their already exists   in Uzbekistan several women groups who , according to the Asian Development bank are already playing a very salutary and a significant role in society in terms of health care , home based industries etc. Uzbekistan’s intellectual resources are rich in which women   constitute an important segment and have always played a prominent role . There is no doubt that they can play a meaningful role in the country. Other areas that need help of are the scientific method of rearing the Karakul sheep   famous for its high quality wool. . Bee keeping cloud be another area that could be explored.
Thus, agricultural sector needs further strengthening ; more so as the transition phase in Uzbekistan is not yet complete . Since Uzbekistan has plenty of fruits and vegetables food processing    and light industries could boost up exports.   These are areas where local initiative is essential. At this point, there is no doubt, that a strong society could   play a beneficial role.

(*The author is Director, India-Central Asia Foundation. She presented this article at a recent seminar in Tashkent)

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