As part of its ongoing cotton mechanisation drive, Uzbekistan has unveiled an ambitious plan to increase the share of automated cotton harvesting to 70% this year, reinforcing its commitment to modernising agriculture and strengthening its global cotton competitiveness. The announcement was made by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, according to an official statement from the presidential office.

To meet this target, the government plans to procure 800 new cotton-picking machines along with 6,000 seeders, tractors and combines. In total, approximately 10,000 units of agricultural machinery will be acquired in 2026, expanding the national fleet to around 292,000 machines.

Cotton mechanisation in Uzbekistan has gained steady momentum in recent years, with the overall level of agricultural mechanisation now reaching 81%. The country has previously acquired 1,756 cotton-picking machines, raising the share of machine-harvested cotton to 52%. In 2025 alone, 2.1 million tonnes of cotton were harvested through automated systems, underscoring a sustained shift toward efficiency-driven and technology-led production.

To support farmers in upgrading equipment, Uzbekistan aims to secure $400 million in financing from international financial institutions. Under the proposed scheme, tractors and combines will be offered on a 10-year lease at an 18% interest rate in local currency, with the first two years interest-free. The government will also subsidise 8% of the interest rate, making advanced machinery more accessible to farmers.

The large-scale investment highlights Uzbekistan’s strategic push to enhance productivity, reduce labour dependency, and build a more sustainable and technology-driven cotton sector in the coming years.

Source: FABRIC 2 FASHION

(Rewritten & adapted by Indian-Apparel.com News Desk)

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