Potato cultivation in Uzbekistan is concentrated in several key regions, with Samarkand being the largest potato-producing area, followed by Surkhandarya, Fergana, Andijan, and Bukhara, all of which contribute significantly to national output.
The country grows a wide range of commercial potato varieties suited to diverse agro-climatic conditions. Prominent among these are Fontane, specifically favored for French fry production, as well as Picasso, Rosara, Umid, Pskem, Arizona, Sante, Evolution, and Esme. Additionally, Hungarian varieties such as Demon, Botond, Balatoni Sarga, and Balatoni Rozsa have shown promising performance in recent trials. Notably, drought-tolerant and virus-resistant varieties like Sarnav (CIP 397077.16) and Pskem (CIP 390478.9), released in 2011, are well-adapted to Uzbekistan’s hot summer conditions.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources plays a central role in advancing potato research and development, supporting varietal innovation and sustainable production across the country.
Potato cultivation in Uzbekistan began gaining significance during the Soviet era, particularly after the 1933 famine, which forced rural communities to adopt potatoes as a staple due to grain shortages. Initially viewed as a "Russian" food, potatoes became widely accepted and cultivated. Following independence in 1991, the sector faced challenges, including limited certified seed and reliance on imports from countries like Kazakhstan and Pakistan. In 2023, the government launched a national strategy under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to achieve self-sufficiency by 2027. At the time, Uzbekistan produced 3.6–4.1 million tonnes of potatoes annually on over 240,000 hectares, meeting around 80% of domestic demand. Today, potato farming is practiced across mountainous, foothill, and lowland regions, adapted to various climatic conditions and seasonal cycles.
Agricultural Statistics for uzbekistan
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Consumption Statistics Uzbekistan
| Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) , Consumption (Crop Equivalent) in 2021: | 91.04 | kg/capita/year | ℹ | Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) |
| Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) , Consumption (Crop Equivalent) in 2020: | 87.83 | kg/capita/year | ℹ | Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) |
| Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) , Consumption (Crop Equivalent) in 2019: | 86.13 | kg/capita/year | ℹ | Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) |
| Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) , Consumption (Crop Equivalent) in 2018: | 83.51 | kg/capita/year | ℹ | Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) |
| Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) , Consumption (Crop Equivalent) in 2017: | 80.33 | kg/capita/year | ℹ | Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) |
| Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) , Consumption (Crop Equivalent) in 2016: | 78.20 | kg/capita/year | ℹ | Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) |
| Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) , Consumption (Crop Equivalent) in 2015: | 75.90 | kg/capita/year | ℹ | Potatoes (Fresh and Processed) |