Agricultural Decline in Uzbekistan: The Case of Yazyavan Region

Abstract

A British geographer and an Australian farm management specialist, relying on extensive field work and interviews conducted over the period 1998-1999, assess the recent decline in the agricultural sector in Uzbekistan. The paper focuses on the cotton and wheat crops (still state controlled) in a particular tuman (rayon), illustrating how government interventions have been detrimental to agricultural output. Special attention is devoted to efforts to ensure early planting of cotton under plastic, and their relationship to the recent sharp decline in yields. A concluding section examines whether the government can substantially increase investment and restructure management in agriculture so as to avert further decline. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: O13, Q10, Q15. 4 tables, 14 references.