Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — An international practical workshop on assessing Uzbekistan’s progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and examining international experience was held at the Ministry of Economy and Finance on 19–20 October.
During a session titled “Long-Term Scenarios for the Development of Sustainable Agrifood Systems,” the Centre for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) presented findings from a study on decarbonizing Uzbekistan’s agriculture, forestry and other land use (AFOLU) sectors through 2070.
The findings were presented by Abdurashid Bozorov, head of a CERR sector. Representatives of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI) took part in the expert discussion.
Emissions and the results of reforms
According to CERR estimates, agriculture accounts for 17.5% of Uzbekistan’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Around two-thirds of emissions from the agricultural sector are linked to methane, with livestock farming identified as the main source.
The study highlighted the results of agricultural reforms implemented between 2017 and 2025. Grain crop yields increased by 48%, raw cotton yields rose by 71%, water withdrawals fell by 22%, and the area covered by water-saving technologies reached 2.6 million hectares.
However, significant potential remains to improve the efficient use of natural resources. Around 37% of irrigation water is lost in canals, while nearly half of irrigated land is affected by salinization.
Three scenarios through 2070
CERR experts developed three scenarios for the sector: continuation of current trends, implementation of existing government programmes, and the introduction of additional measures to boost productivity and reduce emissions.
The modelling identified significant potential for emissions reductions through higher livestock productivity, more efficient fertilizer use, pasture restoration and forestry development.
The study also examined the links between climate objectives, food security and agricultural efficiency. Improving livestock productivity would make it possible to increase output while reducing pressure on pastures and natural resources.
Following the study, CERR proposed measures to improve water resource management, reduce food losses and increase the efficiency of agricultural land use.
The findings, prepared by CERR’s analytical team, served as the basis for expert discussions on the long-term prospects for Uzbekistan’s agrifood systems.
