A two-day practical seminar for farmers was held on 24-25 March 2026 in Jizzakh, Uzbekistan, bringing together leading experts, policymakers and practitioners to strengthen knowledge on labour standards, sustainable cotton production and farm management. The event, organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) under the Rise for Impact Project, aimed to equip farmers with practical tools to improve productivity, ensure compliance with labour standards, including the fundamental principles and rights at work (FPRW) and enhance financial sustainability.
The seminar brought together 50 farmers, including 25 farmers from Dustlik district of Jizzakh region and 25 farmers from Syrdarya district of Syrdarya region, as well as representatives of tripartite constituents, ensuring a balanced regional representation and fostering exchange of practical experiences across different cotton-growing areas.
© ILO
The seminar covered a wide range of topics essential for modern agriculture. Sessions focused on the regulatory framework governing cotton production, including recent reforms aimed at expanding market mechanisms, improving access to finance and strengthening transparency in the cotton value chain. Participants were guided through key legal requirements, subsidy mechanisms and procedures related to cotton sales and exchange trading, enabling them to better navigate the evolving agricultural landscape.
A central component of the seminar was the promotion of the FPRW. Particular attention was given to occupational risks in cotton production, including safe use of agrochemicals, handling of equipment and protection of workers' health during peak agricultural seasons. Discussions highlighted the importance of compliance with national legislation and international labour standards as a foundation for safe, sustainable and responsible cotton production.
Technical sessions on cotton cultivation methods provided hands-on guidance on agrotechnologies, crop care, water management and plant protection. Experts shared practical approaches to increasing yields and adapting to resource constraints, including water scarcity. These sessions were complemented by discussions on farm accounting and management, where participants learned how to track costs and income, improve financial planning and use simple digital tools for better decision-making.
Efficient procurement of inputs, such as seeds, fertilizers and fuel, was another key focus, with practical advice on planning, storage and documentation. The seminar also addressed marketing channels for cotton, including exchange trading, contract management and export opportunities, helping farmers better understand how to maximize returns from their production.
A highlight of the seminar was the session on financing, microcredit and agricultural insurance. Farmers showed particularly strong interest in available financial instruments, including preferential loans and microcredit schemes, as well as crop insurance mechanisms. Special attention was given to the newly established Agricultural Insurance Fund under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which aims to expand risk protection for farmers and strengthen resilience in the agricultural sector.
The seminar brought together national experts from government institutions, academia and financial organizations, including:
- Alisher Saydaliyev, scientist agronomist and ILO consultant, delivered key sessions on cotton cultivation practices and co-facilitated discussions on FPRW, linking agronomic practices with responsible labour standards and safe working conditions.
- Sohibjon Xatamov, Head of the Legal Services and Legal Protection of Farms Department at the Council of Farmers of Uzbekistan and Class II Justice Adviser, provided detailed guidance on the legal framework, farmers' rights and obligations, as well as compliance requirements related to subsidies, contracts and labour standards.
- Khasan Buriev, professor at Tashkent State Agrarian University, contributed academic expertise on modern cotton cultivation methods, including productivity enhancement and resource-efficient practices.
- Zayhobiddin Abdukaimov, associate professor at Tashkent State Agrarian University, supported sessions on farm management and practical agricultural applications, bridging theory and field-level implementation.
- Dilbar Rashidova, Head of the Cotton Laboratory at the Research Institute of Cotton Breeding, Seed Production and Cultivation Agrotechnologies and Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, provided in-depth scientific insights into cotton breeding, seed quality and advanced agrotechnologies.
- Muzaffar Yakubov, Deputy Director for Scientific Work and Innovation at the Khorezm Scientific Experimental Station of the same institute, shared practical research-based approaches to improving cotton productivity and adapting technologies to local conditions.
- Doniyor Xolqosimov, Chief Specialist of the Agricultural Crops Insurance Department at the Agricultural Insurance Fund under the Ministry of Agriculture, introduced farmers to the newly established fund and explained available crop insurance instruments, eligibility criteria and application procedures.
- Sardor Khusanov, Manager of the Preferential Lending Department for Agricultural Enterprises at Jizzakh regional branch of Mikrokreditbank, provided practical guidance on accessing concessional loans, structuring farm financing and improving creditworthiness.
The seminar concluded with a practical master session where farmers worked in groups to plan cotton production for the 2026 season, integrating knowledge on finance, subsidies, agronomy, labour standards and safety considerations. Participants actively engaged in discussions, demonstrating strong interest in crop insurance, access to loans and the opportunities offered by the newly established Agricultural Insurance Fund.
© ILO
