Development Priorities For The Fruit And Vegetable Sector In The Context Of Uzbekistan’S Food Security Policy

This study examines the development priorities of Uzbekistan’s fruit and vegetable sector within the frameworkof national food security policy. Given the country’s favorable agro-climatic conditions and its strategic intent to become aregional exporter of horticultural products, the sector holds significant potential for improving food availability, nutritionalquality, and rural incomes. However, persistent structural barriers—including weak post-harvest infrastructure, fragmentedsupply chains, and limited smallholder access to finance and technology—impede progress. A mixed-methods approachcombining theoretical models and empirical analysis was used to assess production trends, institutional gaps, andvalue chain inefficiencies. Key findings suggest that while production volumes have grown, the sector’s contribution tosustainable food security is constrained by policy-implementation misalignments and infrastructure deficits. The studyhighlights critical priorities: investment in cold chains and processing, smallholder inclusion, regional specialization,export competitiveness, and climate-smart practices. Addressing these priorities through coordinated policy, institutionalreform, and public–private partnerships can transform the fruit and vegetable sector into a cornerstone of Uzbekistan’sfood security and economic resilience.