Cotton communities in Uzbekistan strengthen labour awareness

TASHKENT (ILO News) - On 19-20 May 2026, the International Labour Organization (ILO), within the framework of the RISE for Impact project, organized a two-day interactive workshop for cotton-growing communities from Dustlik district (Jizzakh region) and Syrdarya district (Syrdarya region). The workshop brought together farmers and representatives of local tripartite partners to discuss the five fundamental principles and rights at work (FPRW), occupational safety and health, fair recruitment and emerging mechanisms for agricultural risk insurance in Uzbekistan.

Held in Jizzakh, the workshop combined practical presentations, group exercises and interactive discussions aimed at strengthening awareness of decent work principles and improving working conditions in the cotton sector. Participants discussed freedom of association and collective bargaining, safe working conditions, transparent recruitment practices, wage transparency, grievance mechanisms and women's participation in agricultural production.

In addition to discussions on FPRW, the issue of agricultural insurance generated significant interest among farmers, particularly questions related to crop protection against natural disasters and access to compensation mechanisms.

Participants also discussed recent developments in Uzbekistan's agricultural insurance system, including new mechanisms aimed at protecting crops against hail, frost and drought. Discussions focused on practical questions related to compensation procedures, insurance coverage and support available to farmers.

The workshop included presentations by national experts and practitioners, including agronomist Alisher Saydaliyev; Khasan Buriev of Tashkent State Agrarian University; Dilbar Rashidova and Normukhammad Mamedov from the Cotton Breeding and Seed Production and Agrotechnology Research Institute; and Shodier Murtozov of Agrobank.

Participants actively engaged in discussions on existing subsidies, support mechanisms and practical challenges faced by cotton-growing communities.

Representatives of the Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan presented ongoing efforts to protect labour rights and promote social dialogue in the agricultural sector. Ruslan Rakhmanov, Deputy Head of the Department for Protection of Socio-Economic Interests of Workers of the Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan, shared updates on reforms and developments related to freedom of association and collective bargaining.

Shohida Begimkulova, Head of the Department for Protection of Socio-Economic Interests of Workers of the Republican Council of the Trade Union of Agro-Industrial Complex Workers, highlighted initiatives aimed at protecting the rights and interests of farmers engaged in cotton cultivation and other agricultural activities.

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants received certificates and information materials developed within the framework of the RISE for Impact project. The materials included key messages on the FPRW in Uzbek language and are intended to support long-term awareness-raising among farmers, cotton pickers, agricultural workers and local institutions engaged in cotton cultivation.

The workshop formed part of broader efforts by the ILO and its partners to strengthen sustainable labour practices, social dialogue and resilience in Uzbekistan's cotton sector through practical community-based engagement.