Assessing the Economic Viability of Organic Cotton Production in Uzbekistan: A First Look

Cotton in Uzbekistan is produced in rotation with winter wheat and rice according to national quotas. Production methods are unsustainable, economically and ecologically risky, contributing to soil degradation, water depletion, and poor health. To address this challenge, we compared a conventional production system with an integrated organic system in Western Uzbekistan. Results reveal higher profits under an organic farming system. Combined with policies to improve the existing cotton value chain, organic cotton production could result in higher revenue while reducing pressure on the environment and improving livelihoods.