2015年-世界发展银行全球_Uzbekistan___Strengthening_the_Horticulture_Value_Chain_102页_1mb

Summary of "Uzbekistan Vision 2030: Strengthening the Horticulture Value Chain"

Core Content

This document presents an analysis of the horticulture subsector in Uzbekistan as part of the broader Vision 2030 development strategy, which aims to transform Uzbekistan into a middle-income country by mid-century. The report outlines the economic importance of horticulture, the structural changes in the agricultural sector, and the policy implications for enhancing productivity and competitiveness in the horticultural industry.

Main Findings

• Economic Significance: Horticulture is a crucial income source for 4.7 million households operating dehkan farms, as well as for 21,000 private farms. It contributes significantly to GDP, with horticultural output accounting for 50% of the value of crop production and over 35% of export earnings.
• Growth Trends: Horticultural exports have grown from USD 373 million in 2006 to USD 1.16 billion in 2010, reflecting increased market access and production efficiency.
• Domestic Demand: Domestic demand for horticultural goods has been rising due to population growth, urbanization, and shifting dietary preferences. This trend is expected to continue, supporting the subsector's expansion.
• Land Use Policies: Land policies have evolved since independence, leading to the conversion of state and collective farms into lease-based systems and eventually into private farms. Dehkan farms, which are small and inheritable, remain important but have a different structure and policy framework compared to private farms.
• Productivity and Profitability: Horticultural crops generate higher revenue, costs, and profits compared to traditional crops like wheat and cotton. Profitability ratios for horticultural products are consistently above 100% in some cases, especially for dehkan farms.
• Technology and Practices: Both dehkan and private farms use modern technologies such as drip irrigation and plastic tunnels. Dehkan farms, while smaller, are highly efficient and often use traditional storage and vineyard management techniques.
• Tax and Policy Impact: Private farms face higher taxes and social obligations, which can push them toward informal market channels. Replacing revenue taxes with a higher land tax could reduce this unintended behavior. Land rental markets could also help reallocate land to more profitable horticultural uses.
• Export Challenges: Exporting horticultural goods to Russia, which accounts for 80% of Uzbekistan's horticultural exports, faces challenges due to stricter food safety and packaging standards. Supermarkets and fast-food chains in Russia require higher quality and safety standards than traditional wholesale markets.
• Institutional Support: The report highlights the need for specialized institutions to support horticultural exports, especially in meeting international standards like SPS and HACCP. It also draws on the Chilean experience to illustrate how strong agro-climatic conditions and robust food safety systems can open up global markets.
• Research and Development: Strong research institutions, such as the Schroeder Institute and the Uzbek Research Institute for Vegetables, Melons and Potatoes (RIVMP), have played a key role in improving productivity and developing improved crop varieties.

Key Recommendations

1. Improve Farm Productivity:

   • Invest in modern agricultural practices and technologies.
   • Support research and development for improved crop varieties and sustainable farming methods.

2. Support High-Value Export Markets:

   • Strengthen institutional frameworks to meet international standards (SPS, HACCP).
   • Develop specialized export infrastructure and logistics systems.
   • Encourage collaboration between public and private entities to enhance market access.

3. Eliminate Unintended Incentives:

   • Replace revenue taxes with a more equitable land tax system to discourage informal market channels.
   • Create and develop land rental markets to facilitate the reallocation of land to more profitable horticultural uses.

Market and Policy Context

• Value Chain Dynamics: The value chain for horticultural products includes various stages, from production to distribution, with different costs and implications for pricing and profitability.
• Informal vs. Formal Markets: Informal markets are often used by private farms due to tax and regulatory pressures, which can limit access to high-value export markets.
• International Comparisons: Countries like Chile, Turkey, and the United States have successfully leveraged their agro-climatic conditions and food safety standards to dominate global horticultural markets. Uzbekistan can draw lessons from these countries.
• Agro-Ecological Zones: Uzbekistan has limited agro-climatic zones suitable for horticulture, but these are well-suited for certain crops like tomatoes, melons, onions, and apples.

Conclusion

The report emphasizes that the horticulture subsector has the potential to significantly boost Uzbekistan's agricultural productivity and income, especially with targeted policies and institutional support. It calls for a shift from direct government interventions to market-driven approaches, while ensuring that the subsector meets the high standards required for international trade. The document also highlights the importance of sustainable land use and the role of research in driving long-term growth in the horticulture industry.