A two-day practical seminar for farmers was held on 24–25 March 2026 in Jizzakh, Uzbekistan, bringing together experts, policymakers, and practitioners to strengthen knowledge on labour standards, sustainable cotton production, and farm management. Organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) under the Rise for Impact Project, the seminar aimed to equip farmers with practical tools to improve productivity, ensure compliance with fundamental principles and rights at work, and enhance financial sustainability.
The event gathered 50 farmers from Dustlik district of Jizzakh region and Syrdarya district of Syrdarya region, alongside representatives of tripartite constituents, fostering knowledge exchange across different cotton-growing areas. Sessions covered regulatory frameworks, recent reforms in market mechanisms, access to finance, and transparency in the cotton value chain, guiding participants through legal requirements, subsidy procedures, and cotton trading practices.
A key focus was promoting occupational safety and compliance with national legislation and international labour standards, including safe handling of agrochemicals, equipment, and worker health protection during peak agricultural seasons. Technical sessions provided hands-on guidance on cotton cultivation, water management, plant protection, and resource-efficient practices, while farm management discussions emphasized tracking costs and income, financial planning, and the use of digital tools for decision-making.
The seminar also addressed efficient procurement of inputs, marketing channels, contract management, and export opportunities, helping farmers maximize returns. Special attention was given to financing, microcredit, and agricultural insurance, including preferential loans and the newly established Agricultural Insurance Fund under the Ministry of Agriculture, aimed at expanding risk protection and sector resilience.
National experts from academia, government, and financial institutions shared expertise in cotton cultivation, farm management, labour standards, and crop insurance, linking scientific insights with practical implementation. The seminar concluded with group planning exercises for the 2026 cotton season, integrating knowledge on finance, subsidies, agronomy, labour standards, and safety considerations, with participants actively engaging in discussions on crop insurance, loans, and sustainable farming practices.
