Funded by:
Project duration: October 2023 – June 2024
The “Sustainability and Value Added in Agricultural Supply Chains” project in Uzbekistan is a significant initiative aimed at transforming the cotton sector in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan is one of the world’s largest cotton producers, with cotton playing a crucial role in the nation’s economic and social fabric. Historically, the cotton sector in Uzbekistan faced numerous challenges, including forced and child labor, environmental damage, and inefficient practices, which tarnished the country’s global reputation. The government’s ambitious reform plan since 2016, aiming to increase value-added from cotton production and enhance the industry’s export potential, sets the stage for this project.
The project focuses on promoting sustainable cultivation methods, ensuring decent work standards, and fostering environmental responsibility across the entire cotton supply chain. It includes initiatives such as training in sustainable cotton production techniques, improving working conditions and environmental management in local textile clusters, and integrating the cotton and textile sector into international trade. This comprehensive approach seeks to elevate the cotton and textile industry’s international competitiveness while adhering to high social and environmental standards. This transformation is vital for Uzbekistan’s economic growth, providing a unique opportunity to establish a more sustainable, equitable, and profitable agricultural sector.
