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THE ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE IN SHAPING NATIONAL FOOD
SECURITY POLICY: BASED ON THE CASES OF INDIA AND JAPAN
Abdusherozova Madina Sodikjon kizi
Master’s student at the University of World
Economy and Diplomacy
Email:
Research supervisor: prof.
Tashpulatova Laylo Maratovna
University of World Economy and Diplomacy,
Professor of the department of “International Economics”
Abstract:
Food security means having regular access to safe and nutritious food. In Uzbekistan,
where the climate is continental and water is limited, this is a top priority. Agriculture is a major
part of the economy, and the country produces around 75% of its food. However, irrigation uses
90% of water, and climate risks threaten productivity. India’s Green Revolution and Japan’s
tech-driven farming show how strong support and innovation can improve food security.
Inspired by these, Uzbekistan’s 2030 strategy focuses on efficient water use, farmer support,
better logistics and storage, and investment in agricultural research.
Keywords:
food security, Uzbekistan, India, Japan, Green Revolution, agricultural policy,
irrigation, subsidies, innovation, agricultural strategy
INTRODUCTION
Food security is a critical pillar of human development, ensuring that all individuals have
consistent physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food [1]. It is
commonly understood through four main components: food availability, access, utilization, and
stability. These dimensions are especially important for countries like Uzbekistan, where
agriculture plays a significant economic role—contributing around 24% to the national GDP and
employing more than 28% of the labor force [2].
Recent academic research underlines the necessity for adaptive approaches to enhance
agricultural sustainability in Uzbekistan. Key measures include the introduction of climate-
resilient crop varieties, modernization of irrigation systems, and improvements in land-use
efficiency. Such efforts are vital in addressing long-term challenges to food production and
supply.
International experiences offer valuable insights. India’s Green Revolution, for example,
significantly boosted grain self-sufficiency through technological innovation, widespread
government subsidies, and large-scale distribution systems [4]. Meanwhile, Japan has achieved
high agricultural productivity despite limited arable land, thanks to advanced farming
technologies, strong institutional support, and an emphasis on food quality and safety [5].
Drawing on these models can help Uzbekistan develop a more resilient, sustainable, and self-
reliant food system adapted to its specific conditions.
LITERATURE REVIEW
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Food security is a key factor for human development, ensuring stable access to safe and
nutritious food [1]. In Uzbekistan, where water resources are limited and climate conditions are
challenging, ensuring food security is a top priority [2].
India’s Green Revolution significantly increased food production through technological
innovation and government support, strengthening the country’s food security [3]. Japan, despite
limited arable land, achieves high productivity using advanced technologies and efficient
management[4].
These international experiences provide valuable lessons for Uzbekistan in developing effective
agricultural policies and ensuring national food security
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The methods of systems approach, statistical observation, structural analysis, and comparison
were used in the preparation of the paper.
RESULTS
Uzbekistan is undergoing a major transformation in its approach to food security, shaped by both
internal challenges and external inspiration. The country’s agricultural development strategy
increasingly reflects a hybrid model that draws from India’s production-driven self-sufficiency
and Japan’s efficiency- and innovation-oriented food system. As climate variability, water stress,
and population growth place pressure on domestic resources, Uzbekistan is aligning its policies
with global best practices while adapting them to local conditions.
One of the most significant policy shifts in Uzbekistan involves improving resource efficiency.
By the end of 2023, over 250,000 hectares had been converted to modern irrigation methods,
such as drip and sprinkler systems, with plans to expand this to 445,000 hectares by 2026 [6].
These systems reduce water usage by up to 40%, increase yields per hectare, and help combat
salinization. This mirrors Japan’s use of precision technologies—including GPS, AI-based
irrigation management, and automated nutrient dosing—which allow the country to achieve high
productivity despite very limited arable land [7].
Equally important is the government’s support for farmers through subsidies for fertilizers, low-
interest loans, and subsidized agricultural machinery. These interventions are modeled after
India’s Green Revolution era, where government-backed incentives encouraged rapid increases
in food grain production and improved rural livelihoods. In India, for instance, grain output
reached approximately 275 million tonnes in 2017–2018, ensuring full domestic coverage and
creating export capacity [8]. Uzbekistan’s current policies follow a similar logic, seeking to
promote cereal and vegetable crops while reducing the share of cotton, thus strengthening
national food self-reliance [9].
Uzbekistan is also improving its agricultural market infrastructure. Between 2023 and 2025, the
government plans to build more than 80 cold-storage facilities, modernize farm-to-market roads,
and expand rural digital trading platforms [10]. These efforts are aligned with India’s public
distribution model and Japan’s investments in smart logistics, which have helped reduce post-
harvest losses and improve food distribution. Uzbekistan’s Agromarket.uz and ARIS platforms,
for example, allow thousands of farmers to sell directly to buyers, thus improving price
transparency and reducing intermediary costs.
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Scientific innovation is becoming a core pillar of Uzbekistan’s agricultural policy. Over 100
regional agro-innovation centers have been established through the ARIS platform, offering soil
diagnostics, advisory services, and technology access to local farmers [11]. This initiative draws
heavily from India’s Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)—Farm Science Centers designed to deliver
field-based, science-led agricultural extension services to farmers. Similarly, Uzbekistan is
modernizing its research institutions, introducing biotechnology, and promoting biofertilizers to
boost yields while preserving soil health.
In 2023, the government procured over 600,000 tons of cereals to stabilize bread prices and
offset supply chain disruptions caused by global market fluctuations. This measure echoes
India’s use of buffer stocks and Japan’s protective food security policies.
A key indicator of Uzbekistan’s continued vulnerability, however, is its reliance on food imports.
The country produces the majority of its staple food needs, but for several essential categories—
including wheat, meat, dairy, sugar, and vegetable oil—it remains heavily dependent on external
suppliers.
Table1
Uzbekistan’s Food Import Dependence (2023)
Product Category
Share of Imports
Main Supplier Countries
Grains (wheat, flour)
40–50%
Kazakhstan, Russia
Vegetable oil
35–45%
Russia, Kazakhstan
Meat
20–30%
Belarus, Russia
Dairy products
25–30%
Russia, Latvia, Ukraine
Sugar
80–90%
Belarus, Brazil
Source: Compiled by the author based on data from the State Committee of Statistics of
Uzbekistan (2023)
Grain remains a dietary staple in Uzbekistan. Although domestic wheat production reaches 6–7
million tonnes annually, this volume is increasingly insufficient due to population growth and
changing consumption patterns. This high level of dependency exposes Uzbekistan to external
shocks and underlines the need for diversification and enhanced domestic productivity.
Overall, the evidence suggests that Uzbekistan is building a pragmatic and forward-looking
agricultural strategy. By combining India’s focus on mass production and rural support with
Japan’s emphasis on high-tech innovation and institutional reform, Uzbekistan is crafting a
customized approach to food security. If these efforts are sustained and scaled, the country could
significantly reduce import dependence, strengthen rural resilience, and achieve long-term food
sovereignty.
CONCLUSION
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Uzbekistan’s food security policy is becoming more influenced by international experiences,
especially from India’s Green Revolution and Japan’s advanced farming technologies. These
examples highlight the importance of using water efficiently, supporting farmers, encouraging
innovation, and improving market infrastructure. Uzbekistan is following similar paths to
increase agricultural productivity and reduce food insecurity. However, the country still depends
heavily on imports for some important food products, which makes it vulnerable to outside
shocks. To achieve long-term food stability, it is important to strengthen local production and
continue modernizing agriculture.
Some recommendations include expanding the use of modern irrigation systems to save water
and increase crop yields. It is also important to provide more financial support to farmers, such
as subsidies and access to better equipment. Investing in research and new technologies can help
improve farming methods and increase productivity. Improving storage facilities, transportation,
and digital markets will reduce food losses after harvest and help distribute food more efficiently.
Finally, Uzbekistan should focus on producing more of its own food, especially products like
sugar, dairy, and vegetable oil, to reduce reliance on imports.
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