Uzbek cotton farmers build skills in management, negotiation and labour rights

TASHKENT (ILO News) - Nearly 60 cotton farmers from the Jizzakh and Syrdarya regions participated in a two-day, hands-on training designed to enhance their management and negotiation skills, while advancing labour rights in the agricultural sector. The event, held on 4-5 June 2025 in Jizzakh city, was organized under the RISE for Impact Project. Its central aim is the promotion of fundamental principles and rights at work (FPRW) in cotton-growing communities.

Farmers from Dustlik (Jizzakh region) and Syrdarya (Syrdarya region) districts took part in a practical workshop series focused on equipping them with tools for sustainable production, stronger financial planning, legal literacy and effective engagement with cotton clusters and buyers.

Skills that matter in the field and the market

Opening with a welcoming ice-breaker session, the training fostered collaboration and peer learning. Over the course of two days, participants engaged in eight focused sessions built around real challenges and opportunities farmers face throughout the cotton season.

Key topics included:

• Cotton Season Planning & Resource Management: Farmers explored strategies for seasonal planning, input budgeting, and using digital tools for recordkeeping.
• Financial Literacy & Access to Credit: Participants learned how to build production budgets, navigate credit options from Agrobank and manage farm bookkeeping.
• Farmer Self-Organization & Cooperatives: Sessions highlighted the benefits of collective action, leadership within cooperatives, and success stories from other regions.
• Risk Management: Practical advice was offered on climate resilience, crop insurance, and the use of local biopreparations to prevent pests and diseases.

The second day shifted to market access and legal awareness:

• Cotton Value Chain in Uzbekistan: Farmers were introduced to the roles of clusters, ginneries, and textile companies, with a focus on quality standards and incentives for premium cotton.
• Negotiation Skills: Through role-play simulations, participants practiced negotiation strategies with cluster buyers, improving their confidence and market awareness.
• Contracts & Legal Rights: A deep dive into contract interpretation, legal protection mechanisms, and access to legal aid helped farmers better understand their rights and obligations.

Bridging science and practice

Participants also received schematic materials on pest protection for cotton crops, prepared by specialists from Tashkent State Agrarian University. These materials provided tailored advice relevant to local agricultural conditions and complemented the technical content of the sessions.

The training was led by a multidisciplinary team of experts from academia, agriculture, finance and law, including:

• Mr. Alisher Saydaliyev, Scientist Agronomist
• Mr. Khasan Buriev, Professor, Tashkent State Agrarian University
• Ms. Dilbar Rashidova, Professor and Head of Laboratory, Cotton Breeding and Seed Production and Agrotechnology Research Institute
• Mr. Soxibjon Xatamov, Head of the Legal Services and Legal Protection of Farms Department at the Council of Farmers, Dekhkan Farms and Owners of Household Lands
• Mr. Zaynilabiddin Abdikayumov, Doctor, Tashkent State Agrarian University
• Ms. Asal Nishonova, PhD, Tashkent State Agrarian University
• Mr. Saidazim Abdullaev, PhD, Tashkent State Agrarian University
• Mr. Sardor Khusanov, Representative, ATB "Mikrokreditbank"

Farmers call for more engagement

Participants expressed strong appreciation for the interactive and practical nature of the training, highlighting the value of engaging directly with scientists and professionals. Many called for more frequent sessions that blend technical guidance with legal and financial empowerment.

The RISE for Impact Project remains committed to supporting cotton-growing communities in Uzbekistan by advancing core labour standards, building local knowledge, and creating a fairer, more sustainable agricultural economy rooted in respect for rights, transparency and opportunity.