President Approves Program for Large-Scale Mechanization of Agriculture and Digitalization of the Agro-Sector

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on the further development of the country’s agriculture through expanded mechanization and the introduction of digital technologies.

According to the data presented at the meeting, the level of mechanization in Uzbekistan’s agricultural sector has reached 81%. In particular, 1,756 cotton harvesters have been purchased in recent years, raising the share of mechanized cotton harvesting to 52%. Last season, these machines helped harvest 2.1 million tons of cotton, reducing manual labor nearly twofold.

The primary goal for 2026 is to increase the share of machine-harvested cotton to 70%.

To achieve this, it is planned to purchase 800 cotton harvesters, as well as approximately 6,000 seeders, tractors, and combines — a total of 10,000 units — which will expand the overall machinery fleet to 292,000 units.

To provide machinery to farmers on a leasing basis, US$400 million in funds from international financial institutions will be mobilized. The lease will have a term of up to 10 years with a two-year grace period and an interest rate of 18% in local currency, with 8% of the interest rate subsidized from the state budget.

Special attention is being given to the development of domestic agricultural machinery manufacturing.

Between 2026 and 2028, production of domestic machinery and equipment is planned to increase fivefold, while the level of localization will rise by 10%. In 2026, production is expected to reach 6,000 units, with localization levels by 2028 of 30–35% for self-propelled machinery and 60–65% for mounted and towed equipment.

The subsidy system will apply to machinery with more than 25% localization, as well as the three most in-demand categories of imported equipment. Compensation of 15% of machinery costs in 2026 is projected at 660 billion soums.

The presentation also covered support measures for the Tashkent Tractor Plant, improvements in banking services, and the implementation of digital solutions and artificial intelligence.

Agrobank plans to increase agricultural machinery lending from 1.6 trillion soums in 2025 to 3.9 trillion soums in 2026. Automation of lending will reduce the funding approval time from three days to three hours.

Agro-service zones will be established in each region, where farmers can access banking, consulting, and agronomic services, including soil monitoring and analysis, seedling delivery, and educational courses.

Pilot projects using artificial intelligence are planned in livestock farming, horticulture, and “smart” water management. A venture company with an authorized capital of 100 billion soums will also be established to support startups in the agricultural sector.

By approving these proposals, the President issued directives to further expand agricultural mechanization, develop domestic production and service infrastructure, and enhance monitoring and financial services through digital platforms.