The presentation, held on April 21, 2026, outlined a strategic shift toward providing land users with greater economic freedom and financial incentives to boost agricultural productivity.
Over the past five years, Uzbekistan has implemented systematic reforms, most notably stripping regional governors of their power to allocate land and transitioning to a transparent auction system. Since this shift, 616,300 hectares have been distributed via auctions, generating UZS 1.4 trillion for the national budget.
The introduction of private or long-term lease ownership has led to tangible economic gains. The average income per hectare has tripled, reaching UZS 50–60 million. Currently, these lands produce goods valued at UZS 539 trillion annually and contribute $2.1 billion to the country's export earnings.
Despite previous successes, the government identified a lack of independence for lessees as a primary reason why approximately 117,600 hectares remain unsold. To address this, a new system for leasing agricultural land will be introduced. In 2026, the government plans to auction an additional 100,000 hectares under revised terms that prioritize economic incentives and autonomy.
A key component of this reform is the expansion of a pilot program previously tested in the Fergana Valley, Jizzakh, and Tashkent regions, as well as in Karakalpakstan. Under this program, entrepreneurs were allowed to decide which crops to plant. In 2025, this flexibility allowed businesses to plant high-yield, export–oriented crops on 16,000 out of 20,000 hectares, creating the potential for 150 million USD in exports. President Mirziyoyev emphasized that granting land users more economic freedom is essential for the sector’s future.
The government is also targeting large-scale agricultural development by offering larger plots for industrial plantations and livestock farming. Under the new guidelines, plots ranging from 50 to 500 hectares will be made available through auctions. The goal is to launch at least five major projects in every region of the country within this year.
