Exploring the Role of Local Crops in Uzbekistan’s Food Security and Processing Technologies
Mukhsin KhodjievRector, Department of Vocational Training, Gulistan state university, Uzbekistan guldu_rektor@edu.uzhttps://orcid.org/0009-0000-6073-0249
Gulmira MustafayevaSenior Lecturer, Department of Chemistry and Biology, Kimyo International University in Tashkent, Tashkent, Uzbekistan g.mustafayeva@kiut.uzhttps://orcid.org/0009-0009-9194-515X
Farkhod KarakulovGraduate School of Business and Entrepreneurship under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan f.z.karakulov@mail.ruhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-8476-6788
IbrokhimIbrokhim SapaevScientific Researcher, University of Tashkent for Applied Science, Uzbekistan; Western Caspian University, Scientific Researcher, Baku, Azerbaijan sapaevibrokhim@gmail.comhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-2365-1554
Islom KadirovDepartment of Transport Systems, Urgench State University, Urgench,Department of Transport Systems, Urgench State University, Urgench, Uzbekistan islomqadirov1415@gmail.comhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-1659-6975
Mustafo TursunovLecturer, Department of Economics and Service, Termez University of Economics and Service, Uzbekistan mustafo_tursunov@tues.uzhttps://orcid.org/0009-0007-9658-7182
Kurbonalijon ZokirovPhD Researcher (Agricultural Science), Tashkent State Agrarian University, Uzbekistan; Scientific Researcher, Western Caspian University, Azerbaijan k_zokirov@tdau.uzhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-8156-5913
Keywords: Local crops, food security, processing technologies, sustainable agriculture, value chains, post-harvest management
Abstract
Supporting dietary needs, boosting rural economies, and minimizing reliance on imports make local crops paramount to Uzbekistan's food security. Wheat, legumes, fruits, and vegetables provide nutritional value and economic opportunity for the country with its diverse agro-climatic zones. In addition to agricultural practices, their effective utilization depends on processing technologies to improve product shelf-life, Safety, and market access. This paper seeks to answer how modern and traditional processing methods aid the sustenance and stability of food supplies by enhancing food quality and preservation while alleviating post-harvest losses. To answer this question, agricultural data, policies, and technological frameworks are studied regarding the synergy between crop cultivation and processing. Locally relevant approaches are the focus of this study as they aim to construct adaptable pathways to responsive sustainable food systems strained by environmental and economic shocks. Transitioning to more intensive crop production strengthens local value chains and propels innovation within the agri-food industry, transforming Uzbekistan's food security