Did you know that here at the O\u02bbzbek paxtachilik ilmiy tadqiqot instituti Buxoro filiali innovation thrives in the heart of Uzbekistan’s cotton sector? This is not just a research facility. It is a pivotal hub for advancing cotton production.
Let’s delve into the story of this institute. It plays a crucial role in the transformation of Uzbekistan’s cotton value chain. In March 2024, Rinat Gulyaev, Director of the Cotton Science-Innovation Center, Bukhara, spoke at the International Cotton Conference Bremen. He highlighted the institute’s past achievements and future goals.
Uzbekistan’s cotton industry has seen significant growth. In 2023, the country produced one million tonnes of cotton. Textile exports doubled in the five years leading up to 2022. They reached 3 billion US dollars per year. These exports are destined for various markets. 52 percent go to CIS countries. 23 percent to Asia and 21 percent to the EU. Trade preferences and free trade agreements enable these exports. Uzbekistan’s economy is growing by six percent per year. Population growth is around two percent per year.
All cotton in Uzbekistan is produced by farmers within 142 cotton clusters. There are approximately 18000 farmers. The minimum farm size is 100 ha. These clusters provide all inputs, including machinery. They are vertically integrated companies. They combine cotton production with yarn fabric and garment production. The largest cluster is Bukhara Agrocluster. It operates on 100000 ha of cotton production. Many other successful clusters also exist. Indorama Khantex Uztex and posco are examples. Uzbek clusters also operate in neighboring countries. Kirghizstan and Kazakhstan are examples. Better Work and Better Cotton programs also operate in Uzbekistan.
The Cotton Production Council of Uzbekistan plays an important role. It aims to improve cotton quality and production. One of its main tasks is to enhance cotton varieties. Germplasm from over 30000 varieties is available to scientists. The country ensures that all planting seeds are registered in a quality seed production system.
Uzbekistan is investing in water-conserving systems. Drip irrigation is one such system. About 18 percent of land uses these new technologies. Many clusters use GPS systems. They map cotton production. They also maintain data on input use. Soil samples are analyzed to determine fertilizer needs.
Machine picking accounts for about 20 percent of the seed cotton harvest. All seed cotton is tracked from the farm to the gin.
The O\u02bbzbek paxtachilik ilmiy tadqiqot instituti Buxoro filiali stands as a testament to Uzbekistan’s commitment to innovation and quality in the cotton industry. It drives progress. It ensures sustainable practices. Its work resonates across the nation and beyond.