Uzbek Farmers Allege Land Seizures for Chinese-Backed Projects in Andijon

Tensions are rising in Uzbekistan’s eastern Andijon region as farmers accuse local authorities of pressuring them to surrender farmland that is later leased for projects involving Chinese investors.

Farmers cultivating cotton, vegetables and fruit told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) that they were coerced into signing documents to «voluntarily» give up long-term land leases, sometimes following late-night visits and intimidation by officials and police. Under Uzbek law, agricultural land remains state-owned and is leased to farmers for up to 49 years, with contracts revocable only under limited conditions or through voluntary surrender.

Officials deny any wrongdoing, insisting that all land transfers are legal and voluntary and that farmland is not sold or transferred to foreign ownership. Local authorities say the land is reassigned to newly created agricultural directorates, which are permitted to sublease plots to investors in line with the law.

China is Uzbekistan’s largest foreign investor, and its growing economic presence has fueled concern among farmers in the Ferghana Valley, where fertile land is highly prized. According to official statistics, nearly 4,900 companies with Chinese capital were operating in Uzbekistan by the end of 2024, a figure that continued to rise in 2025.

Farmers, however, dispute official accounts, saying no court decisions were issued and that signatures were obtained under pressure. Some allege that land formally taken «for Chinese investment» was ultimately handed to local businessmen.

Human rights advocates say the dispute highlights broader concerns over land governance, transparency and the social impact of foreign investment in Uzbekistan’s agricultural sector as the country continues to open its economy.

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