Central Asia's Cotton Harvest Faces Labor and Economic Challenges

The 2025 cotton harvest in Central Asia is shedding light on the region's ongoing struggle to implement reforms amid economic pressures. Cotton, often referred to as "white gold," remains crucial from Turkmenistan to Tajikistan, yet the legacy of Soviet-era practices lingers.

In Turkmenistan, labor mobilization for the cotton harvest remains largely unchanged. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov recently directed all regions to start picking by September 10. Reports indicate that medical staff, including doctors and nurses, are being compelled to participate, with each person assigned a quota of 45 kilograms daily. Those unwilling to partake must hire replacements, which can consume a significant portion of their salaries. This practice continues to affect hospital operations, as older staff handle duties with limited support.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan has officially ended forced labor practices. The government abolished mandatory public-sector participation and state quotas in 2020, partnering with the International Labour Organization to oversee the transition. Despite these strides, coercion persists in some areas. A video surfaced showing a local official in Surkhandarya pressuring workers to recruit additional laborers, threatening job losses for non-compliance. The U.S. Department of Agriculture notes that around 70% of Uzbekistan's cotton is still picked by hand, with labor shortages posing ongoing challenges.

Tajikistan faces a different problem—economic turmoil within its cotton sector. Farmers are forced to sell their crops at prices below production costs, leading to financial losses. The country's cotton production has declined sharply, partly due to adverse weather conditions. Although cotton remains a key export, with Iran as a major buyer, the government’s plans to revitalize the industry through subsidies and modern equipment have seen little progress. Without substantial reform, experts warn of a potential collapse of the sector.

These issues highlight the complex interplay of economic necessity and labor practices in Central Asia's cotton industry. As the region grapples with modernization, deeply entrenched systems of coercion and outdated economic models present significant hurdles to genuine reform.