Uzbekistan is divided into 12 oblasts or provinces and the autonomous Karakalpakstan Republic. Agriculture accounts for 26 percent of the country's GDP. The total land area of Uzbekistan amounts to 44.9 million ha, of which 23.5 million ha are in pasture. A total of 4.3 million ha are irrigated, of which 3.3 million ha are irrigated arable land and one million ha irrigated pasture. There is a rainfed arable area of 0.8 million ha. Yields in the rainfed area are low but the area makes an important contribution to national grain production.
Prior to independence the monoculture of cotton led to problems of land degradation. Cotton production has since fallen and there has been a substantial expansion in the grain area and production. This has permitted a large reduction in grain imports.
The country is divided into three climatic zones, northern, central and southern. Information on the soils and land quality in each zone is given.
Since independence, a new agricultural structure has been put into place. The family 'dekhan' farms account for more than 60 percent of the agricultural production.
Statistics are given on fertilizer nutrient consumption in each province. Fertilizer consumption has fallen in Uzbekistan but much less than in most other states of the former Soviet Union (FSU). Statistics are given on the rates of nutrients applied to cotton and cereals. In general, the rates are now mostly lower than those recommended, especially for phosphate and potash. The contribution of nutrients from organic manures is discussed.
