SUSTAINABLE AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY IN RURAL REGIONS: EVIDENCE FROM UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

 Agribusiness plays a crucial role in ensuring food security, promoting rural development, and enhancing economic resilience in emerging economies. This study analyzes the current state of agribusiness efficiency in Uzbekistan with a focus on production structure, resource utilization, investment needs, and institutional conditions. Using descriptive economic analysis and comparative evaluation, the research identifies key constraints affecting productivity such as land degradation, limited access to finance, outdated technologies, and climate vulnerability. The findings show that modernization of value chains, expansion of digital agriculture, improvement of water-use efficiency, and enhanced investment mechanisms significantly contribute to sustainable agribusiness outcomes. The study proposes policy-oriented recommendations aimed at strengthening the agro-industrial sector, improving farm-level decision-making, and increasing competitiveness in domestic and international markets.