INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 06,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 2140
AGRICULTURAL COOPERATION OF UZBEKISTAN (1918-1929): A PERIOD OF
DEVELOPMENT AND TRIALS
Ganiev Akhrorbek Abdurahim ugli
Assistant of the Department of Social Sciences and Sports,
Fergana State Technical University.
Annotation:
This article analyzes the agricultural cooperative movement that emerged in
Uzbekistan in 1918-1929 in a historical context. It details how cooperatives emerged at the
stage of the New Economic Policy (NEP), their impact on the production and trade system, as
well as the trials and consistent changes that occurred under the collectivization policy of 1927-
1929. The article highlights positive results in expanding the economic and social opportunities
of the population through cooperation, developing literacy and professional skills, as well as
gaining experience in independent economic activity.
Keywords:
agricultural cooperation, New Economic Policy, development, consumer societies,
collective farm, state farm.
The period of 1918-1929 was a unique transitional period in the history of agriculture in
Uzbekistan, during which the cooperative movement was formed and developed within the
framework of the new economic policy (New Economic Policy - NEP). This period was closely
connected with the collapse of the Russian Empire, the establishment of Soviet power, and the
introduction of new economic relations. These processes fundamentally changed socio-
economic life in the territory of Uzbekistan and, in particular, marked the beginning of a new
stage in the activities of agricultural cooperation. After the establishment of Soviet power, the
solution of agrarian issues came to the forefront. The creation of cooperatives was considered
as an important tool for meeting the needs of the rural population, especially farmers,
guaranteeing food security, and increasing production volumes. This movement, which began
in 1918, initially had a more political-ideological basis, but later expanded as an economic
necessity.
In the first years, the cooperative movement was associated with the supply of more
food, the delivery of surplus products to the state, and the distribution of essential goods to the
population. In this case, grain was forcibly collected from the peasants on the basis of the
"prodrazvyortka" policy. This led to numerous protests. Therefore, with the transition to the EIS
in 1921, the cooperative movement became relatively free. During this period, producers had
the opportunity to sell their products through cooperatives, exchange them, and profit from
cooperative membership.
The years of the New Economic Policy (1921-1927) were a period of significant
development for cooperation in Uzbekistan. Through cooperatives, farmers and private
entrepreneurs brought their products to the markets, and trade and service sectors emerged. This
served not only to restore economic stability, but also to improve the culture of trade among the
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 06,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 2141
population. In particular, structures such as "Consumer Societies," "Agricultural Artels," and
"Machine and Tractor Stations" were created, and their activities were encouraged by the
government.
Cooperatives were engaged not only in production, but also in the spheres of credit,
insurance, education, and technical assistance. Self-governing and economically independent
cooperatives were created in the villages. This situation served to form the relationship of the
rural population with the state in a new direction. In particular, thanks to the idea of economic
equality, it became possible to widely involve the poor and middle-class peasants in economic
activity.
However, the collectivization policy, which began in 1927-1929, became a serious test
for the agricultural cooperation of Uzbekistan. The Soviet government pursued a policy of
gradual transformation of cooperatives into collective and state farms. This meant transforming
cooperatives from a free, voluntary economic entity into a centralized and state-controlled
system. In particular, the activities of cooperatives became increasingly controlled, and the
degree of independence decreased. During this period, some cooperatives ceased operations due
to problems such as lack of self-sufficiency, inexperience, and weak material and technical base,
or were merged into large collective farms.
At the same time, the idea of cooperation began to move away from a free, voluntary
basis due to increased ideological pressure from the state and increased differences between
social strata. Many peasants did not want to join such a system, but opposing this situation led
to severe punishment.
It should be especially noted that the cooperative movement of 1918-1929 was one of
the most important factors not only of economic, but also of social transformations in the
history of Uzbekistan. Thanks to cooperation, people gained the opportunity to actively
participate in society, gain economic knowledge and experience, and protect their interests.
Cooperatives operating in rural areas during this period influenced not only economic
development but also social processes such as literacy, vocational training, and the activation of
public life.
The agricultural cooperation of Uzbekistan in 1918-1929 went through a difficult, but
important stage. Although in these years the cooperative movement began as a voluntary
structure representing the interests of farmers, by the end of the decade it began to become a
tool of state policy. Nevertheless, the experience and infrastructure created through cooperation
during this period served as the basis for organizing and modernizing agriculture in subsequent
years.
In conclusion
, the cooperative movement of 1918-1929 laid the foundation for the
modern development of the agrarian sector of Uzbekistan. Initially formed on the basis of
political and economic necessities, this structure ensured the entry of peasants into market
relations during the EEC period and stimulated economic independence, trade experience, and
social activity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 06,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 2142
REFERENCES:
1. Abdullaeva, N. T. (2019). Kooperatsiyalar va yer islohotlari: tarixiy tajriba va saboqlar.
Tarix va Taraqqiyot, 4(12), 27–35.
2. Юлдашева, Т. С. (1974). Роль сельскохозяйственной кооперации в
социалистическом преобразовании сельского хозяйства Узбекистана (1925–1929
гг.) [Автореф. дис.]. Российская государственная библиотека.
3. Ризаев, Г. Р. (1947). Краткий очерк земельно-водной реформы в Узбекистане.
Ташкент: Госиздат УзССР.
4. Центральный Комитет ВКП(б). (1929). Резолюции о сельскохозяйственной
кооперации и развитии хлопководства в Узбекистане. Москва: Архив ЦК ВКП(б).
