Uzbekistan-Hungary: Toward new horizons in agriculture

In recent years, Uzbekistan’s political and economic cooperation with many European countries has entered a new phase. In particular, as countries around the world increasingly focus on ensuring food security and producing high-quality, natural agricultural products — treating it as a global priority — partnership in the agrarian sector is assuming special importance. Among the European nations striving to establish effective agricultural cooperation with Uzbekistan based on mutual respect and equality, Hungary holds a distinct place. At present, the two countries are steadily developing their collaboration in agriculture, including in areas such as fisheries, poultry farming, potato cultivation, as well as science and innovation.

Undoubtedly, one of the key drivers behind this progress in the agricultural sphere was the official visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Hungary on August 19-20, 2023. During this visit, 15 documents aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations were signed. Among them was a roadmap to expand cooperation in agriculture, science, and technology. This visit not only reinforced ties in the agrarian sector but also infused them with new momentum.

The official visits of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Hungary and Slovenia scheduled for May 19-22 this year are expected to elevate this cooperation to an even higher level. In particular, at the invitation of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, the President of Uzbekistan will visit Budapest on May 19, where he is expected to meet with Hungarian officials and heads of leading companies.

As part of the visit, discussions will also focus on expanding mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation, launching joint projects in the pharmaceutical, industrial, food, and textile sectors, enhancing collaboration in the field of labor migration, and broadening humanitarian ties.

When we take a closer look at Uzbekistan-Hungary cooperation specifically in agriculture, it becomes clear that despite differences in natural climate conditions, land resources, and scientific potential, the ongoing collaboration in this sector has enabled both sides to exchange expertise and technologies — creating vast opportunities for mutual growth.

Large-scale joint projects – modernizing rural infrastructure

Hungary has demonstrated its readiness to contribute to regional food security by expressing its willingness to establish poultry clusters in cooperation with Uzbekistan. In particular, a $165 million poultry cluster is being developed in Syrdarya region on 130 hectares in partnership with the company “ZA-Invest Poultry Kft” (Bonafarm). The project includes the construction of 8 poultry farms with a capacity of 1.5 million birds, an incubator, feed production facilities and poultry meat processing plants. The complex is designed to produce up to 70,000 tons of poultry meat annually.

In the field of fisheries, the Aral Sea region, facing serious ecological and social challenges, is in need of Hungary’s expertise. Hungary has expressed its readiness to allocate grants for fisheries development in Uzbekistan, support the multiplication of fish stock, and implement scientific research projects in aquaculture. These efforts are expected to create new jobs, contribute to socio-economic recovery and enhance environmental safety for the local population in the Aral region.

At present, the Uzbek-Hungarian aquaculture joint venture “Golden Like Fish” LLC, established in Kyzyltepa district of Navoi region, is operating effectively in partnership with the Budapest Genetics Institute. Under this project, 390 Hungarian carp with a total value of 200,000 euros were imported to Uzbekistan and have since been bred to reach a population of 20 million.

In addition, new projects are also underway. For instance, an Uzbek-Hungarian breeding center in fisheries will be established. The project will be implemented in cooperation with the “TCT Fish Cluster” enterprise in Kuyichirchik district of Tashkent region, the Hungarian Fish Farmers’ Association “Ma-Hal”, and the Hungarian Fisheries Center affiliated with the “MATE” University.

As part of the project, the offspring of 8 purebred carp species currently maintained in the Hungarian breeding gene pool will be gradually imported to Uzbekistan and adapted for industrial use. Furthermore, systematic efforts are being undertaken to import high-yield horse breeds from Hungary and to cooperate with the Hungarian institute of horse breeding in the development of new horse breeds.

Science and innovation – a new era of cooperation

In modern agriculture, production alone is no longer sufficient – scientific research and innovative approaches play an increasingly vital role. Recognizing this, Uzbekistan and Hungary have been strengthening their academic and scientific collaboration in the agrarian sector.

A significant step in this direction is the appointment of Professor Zoltán Lakner from Hungary’s Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) as Advisor to the Rector of Tashkent State Agrarian University (TSAU) on international affairs. This strategic move reflects the deepening academic ties between the two institutions.

Currently, TSAU master’s students are pursuing studies at MATE University, while three Uzbek professors have completed professional development programs there. These exchanges promote not only academic enrichment but also the practical implementation of advanced agrarian methods.

In parallel, a new joint innovation technopark is being established in Jizzakh region in partnership with Óbuda University. This technopark will serve as a hub for cooperation in smart farming and agro-drone technologies, areas that represent the cutting edge of precision agriculture.

Furthermore, through an annual scholarship program, ten Uzbek students are granted the opportunity to study for two years at Nyíregyháza University in Hungary. As part of their program, they complete practical internships at “Master Good”, a leading Hungarian agribusiness company. This integrated model of education and hands-on experience ensures that students not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also develop real-world skills.

Building on this collaboration, a state-of-the-art poultry research laboratory will be established at TSAU, equipped with advanced technologies, in cooperation with “Master Good.” This initiative underscores the mutual commitment to fostering scientific capacity and technological advancement in Uzbekistan.

Such initiatives are crucial for the formation of a new generation of Uzbek agricultural scientists, giving them direct access to European educational and research environments. These opportunities will, in turn, support the development of Uzbekistan’s own scientific schools and the adoption of modern agritechnologies tailored to local conditions.

Importantly, Uzbek-Hungarian cooperation is also gaining ground in agricultural digitalization. Hungary has successfully developed its own path in this domain, accumulating significant experience. Accordingly, Uzbekistan’s Center of digitalization of agro industry under the Ministry of Agriculture, is collaborating with Hungary’s 4iG company to establish systems for high-precision data collection using digital and geospatial technologies.

This partnership lays the groundwork for Uzbekistan to integrate next-generation agri-digital tools, boosting efficiency, sustainability, and international competitiveness across its agricultural sector.

Potato growing — a new impulse for traditional sectors

Cooperation with Hungary in the field of potato growing is becoming increasingly important for Uzbekistan. The introduction and cultivation of high-yielding, disease-resistant Hungarian potato varieties, along with joint scientific research, is creating new opportunities to develop potato clusters in Uzbekistan, increase productivity, and reduce import dependence.

For this purpose, the Uzbekistan-Hungary Scientific Center for Potato Research was established in Tashkent region. Hungarian varieties such as Botond, Balatoni, Sarga, Balatoni Rozsa, White Lady and Demon are currently being propagated in in-vitro laboratories and greenhouse conditions. At the same time, 120,000 potato tubers have been planted at the experimental station of the Scientific-research institute of vegetable, melons and potato breeding of Uzbekistan under the Ministry of Agriculture, located in Zamin district at 1,500 meters above sea level, where scientific trials are being conducted.

Phytosanitary cooperation reaches a new stage

An important agreement aimed at deepening cooperation between Uzbekistan and Hungary in the field of ensuring phytosanitary safety of agricultural products has been reached — the signing of a Bilateral Agreement.

This agreement is based on international standards established by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO). It envisions coordination of phytosanitary measures and enhanced exchange of information between the two countries.

It is worth noting that Uzbekistan is already exporting all types of fruit and vegetable products to Hungary based on phytosanitary certificates without any restrictions.

Under the agreement, special attention will be paid to preventing the entry of plant pests, integrating information technology systems, exchanging electronic phytosanitary data, enhancing the qualifications of specialists, and promoting scientific cooperation.

This step plays a key role in strengthening the international standing of the Uzbek Agency for Plant Protection, increasing export potential, and expanding access of agricultural products to new markets.

Strengthening strategic partnership – in the pursuit of shared interests

Agricultural cooperation between Uzbekistan and Hungary is not merely an economic endeavor; it is developing within the framework of a strategic partnership grounded in mutual interests across cultural, scientific, social, and environmental spheres. The signing of 15 documents in Budapest — including agreements and roadmaps in the agricultural sector — reflects the deepening ties, growing mutual trust, and strengthening friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

While cooperation in agriculture is still in its early stages, both nations are expected to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes through large-scale projects, innovative programs, and scientific exchanges. In this context, the official visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Hungary marks an important step forward in reinforcing these aspirations.

Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov
Minister of Agriculture