The document was signed due to water shortages over the past several years and rising prices for food products in the world markets and to satisfy demands of population. World prices for grain grew twice on the average compared to 2006, and vegetable prices increased more than twice.

The decree said that Uzbekistan will decrease areas allocated to cotton production and increase production of grain and food crops. The explanatory note to the decree said that the areas for grain production will grow by 50,000 hectares next year and lands for production of vegetable, oil and other food crops will increase significantly.