Cotton Cultivation in the Context of Agricultural Digitalization: A Case Study of Uzbekistan

Introduction. Cotton remains a strategic export commodity and one of the most significant agricultural crops: the Republic of Uzbekistan annually produces approximately 3 million tonnes of seed cotton and extracts about 1–1.1 million tonnes of cotton fibre, thereby facilitating the transition towards a fully integrated value-added production chain. In this context, the implementation of the Agricultural Development Strategy for 2020–2030, which envisages the large-scale application of scientific advances and “smart” technologies, is of particular relevance. However, within the local context, the actual effectiveness, economic viability, and socio-economic consequences of adopting these innovations, as well as their impact on the cotton sector’s value chain, remain insufficiently explored. The aim of this study is to systematically examine the relevance of digitalisation in cotton cultivation in Uzbekistan and to assess its influence on crop productivity, economic performance, and the sustainability of water resources. Materials and Methods. The materials used included peer-reviewed journal articles, analytical reports, news and online resources, as well as governmental and other databases. The research methods employed comprised an analytical review and synthesis of secondary sources, tabular classification and content analysis of digital technologies, a comparative analysis of technologies based on predefined criteria, and a description of the components and architecture of digital agronomic systems. Results. Digital solutions for cotton production are presented, encompassing modern precision agriculture technologies and innovative water management systems. Subject to appropriate financial investment and infrastructural support, these approaches are capable of reducing operational expenditures, increasing profitability, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector. The key technical components include precision seeding technologies, robotisation, and solar-powered irrigation, which enhance agronomic efficiency and resource conservation. Furthermore, real-time monitoring and satellite-based data facilitate operational soil moisture management and more precise irrigation scheduling. Conclusion. The implementation of digital technologies and artificial intelligence significantly improves the efficiency of agricultural process management in cotton cultivation and contributes to the sector’s resilience in the context of climate change and accelerating technological progress.