In Uzbekistan, the mechanization rate of cotton harvesting has reached 52%, and the degree of mechanization in agriculture has reached 81%, it was stated in the presentation made to the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Monday.
Reportedly, 1,756 cotton pickers have been purchased in recent years, with cotton harvest reaching 2.1 million tons in 2025 season. Over the past five years, the volume of manual labor has decreased by 1.8 times.
The president gave directives that the mechanization rate of cotton harvesting rose to 70%.
To increase mechanization, 800 cotton pickers, as well as 6,000 seeders, tractors, and combines, are planned for purchase in 2026. Overall, 10,000 units of agricultural machinery are planned for purchase this year, bringing the total fleet to 292,000.
In an interview with the Uzbekistan 24 television channel, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance Akhadbek Khaidarov noted that the industry was still using machinery that is over 15 years old and needs to be updated.
"The head of state has given us directives to achieve mechanization of all agricultural production cycles—from growing to harvesting—including the provision of equipment and, above all, its localization," he stated.
UzAvtoSanoat Chairman of the Board Ulugbek Rozukulov reported that production of 5,780 units of equipment is planned for the current year.
"Next year, we plan to at least double that. Current capacity allows us to produce 10,000 units, while last year's actual output was 3,200. This is extremely important both in terms of investment efficiency and the state's return on investment, and we will strive to meet these targets," he said.
He added that during his visit to the United States, the president gave directives us to develop cooperation with the American agricultural machinery manufacturer John Deere. "Work has begun on this order. The main focus is the creation of a joint venture and the establishment of production in Uzbekistan," Rozukulov stated.
The president also ordered support for the Tashkent Tractor Plant and measures to improve its operations.
In November, Uzbekistan signed a contract with the American corporation John Deere for the supply of agricultural machinery worth $300 million.
The vice president of John Deere Amy Swanger announced at a meeting with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Washington on February 18 that she was working with the Ministry of Agriculture to develop financing mechanisms that will allow local farmers to purchase equipment on credit.
According to her, the new CP570 cotton harvester can contribute to the efficient cotton harvest in Uzbekistan thanks to its new module. Compared to previous models, the equipment is reportedly capable of covering twice the area per day and collects important agronomic data, requiring minimal operator intervention.
