The government of Uzbekistan (GOU) has been encouraging the transition of agricultural land from water-inefficient cotton to high value alternatives such as tree fruit, vine crops and vegetables. The majority of these products are consumed domestically, but GOU policies have led to the establishment of thousands of orchards, vineyards or farms that could contribute to an increase in exports to neighbors such as Russia and Kazakhstan, as well as to EU markets. Key to export success will be investments in post-harvest management and distribution technologies.
