At a recent open dialogue hosted by Uzbekistan's Chamber of Commerce, Sardor Abbaskhanov, Chairman of the Association of Fruit and Vegetable Processors and Exporters, highlighted critical challenges facing the sector.
- Market concentration is risky
Over 90% of Uzbekistan's mung bean exports currently go to China. Abbaskhanov warned that over-reliance on one or two markets, mainly China and Russia, poses a strategic risk. He noted that while dried prune exports have increased to 65% and apricot exports rose from 0% to 25%, most exports remain raw or semi-processed, limiting value-added potential.
- Outdated varieties hinder competitiveness
Many orchards still use fruit varieties developed during the Soviet era. "When asked by EU buyers what cultivars we grow, we say 'Vengerka', 'Moldovanka', 'Ispanka', names largely unknown outside the post-Soviet space," said Abbaskhanov. He called for government support in introducing higher-yielding, modern cultivars, citing Chile as a model.
- Weak link with smallholders
Processors struggle to work directly with small-scale farmers due to informal land use. Many dehqons (rural growers) lease small plots unofficially for second-season crops like legumes. Without official status, these growers can't access prepayments, inputs, or quality seeds. Abbaskhanov urged policies to encourage second-season cropping by formal farm owners and better oversight.
- Logistics costs too much
Exporting fresh produce to Europe remains expensive. Road freight to Germany or the Netherlands can cost €7,000–€9,000 per truck, raising product costs by $300–500 per ton. In Turkey, comparable logistics costs under $100 per ton. Abbaskhanov proposed launching a dedicated rail freight route from Tashkent to the Polish or Lithuanian border to cut costs by 30–40%.
- Used equipment marketplace
Sardor Abbaskhanov suggested creating a simple online platform where unused or underutilized agricultural equipment can be listed for sale. Such a platform could help farmers save money and grow their businesses more efficiently.
Source: www.gazeta.uz
