Agriculture in Uzbekistan

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Agriculture in Uzbekistan produces 34.2% of the GDP of the economy and employs 44% of the labor force. Despite this, agriculture uses only 11% of the total land area, and occurs mainly in river valleys.

The most significant crop in Uzbekistan is cotton. In 1999, Uzbekistan was the world's 5th largest producer. However, because of the risks associated with a one crop economy, Uzbekistan has been moving to diversify its production, resulting in drops in the total cotton production. Another cause behind moves to diversify may be that the large amount of irrigation and fertilization needed to produce cotton crops has contributed to the drying up of the Aral Sea.

Other crops include rice, corn, wheat, and barley. Minor crops include sesame, onions, flax, tobacco, and fruits.

Sheep of the Karakul breed are the most important animal product of Uzbekistan. They are raised in Bukhara and its environs, and are used for wool. Cattle, sheep, pigs, and chickens are raised for meat in descending order of importance.

Although silkworms and mullberry trees have existed in Uzbekistan since the 4th century, the silk industry continues to be statistically insignificant.