The second half of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century were filled with significant historical events. The Kyrgyz population repeatedly rose against the oppression of the Kokand Khanate. After its fall, the territory of Southern Kyrgyzstan became part of Russia (1876). Gradually, patriarchal-feudal relations began to break down, and the seeds of capitalism emerged. Trade intensified, and industrial enterprises appeared, particularly coal mines. Cotton cultivation began to gain special significance in the development of the economy, expanding rapidly.
The penetration of capitalist relations, the decline of livestock breeding, and the parcelization of farms caused deep property stratification among the peasants, leading to the search for new means of existence. The poor sought employment with the wealthy, herding cattle, harvesting crops, and working the land. The wealthy exploited them, including their relatives, using remnants of tribal traditions. Kyrgyz people went to work in coal mines, where labor was predominantly seasonal. A peculiar form of income was the resale and transportation of coal, which was delivered from mining sites on camels, horses, and donkeys. Some Kyrgyz engaged in the collection and sale of firewood, as well as the production and sale of charcoal.
The Great October Socialist Revolution brought fundamental changes to the way of life of the population. It marked a turning point, leaving behind the heavy historical past of the masses: unbearable labor, primitive technology, poverty, savagery, and illiteracy.
A new life in the south was achieved through fierce class struggle. The restoration of the war-torn economy here was hindered by the actions of the Basmachi, who continued to ravage the people even after the civil war. Therefore, the land and water reform in Southern Kyrgyzstan was carried out later than in the north—only in 1927-28. It played a significant role in the revival of agriculture,
With the victory of the collective farm system, further radical transformations of socialist agriculture occurred, leading to serious achievements. This was facilitated by the consistent implementation of Lenin's national policy by the party and government.
Now, Southern Kyrgyzstan is an area of large multi-sectoral agriculture, the expansion and development of which is based on the achievements of modern science. Technical crops have gained importance, with cotton cultivation remaining the leading sector. Its share in the economy is steadily increasing. Cotton plantations occupy all the foothill plains, which are zones of intensive irrigated agriculture. The development of cotton is combined with sericulture and viticulture. This zone has a completely specific landscape, characteristic of the entire Fergana Valley.
During the Soviet era, tobacco cultivation developed (in the Nookat district). Grain crops (mainly wheat and corn) are now grown on extensive land areas. The cultivation of vegetable and melon crops has also expanded significantly, including potatoes, tomatoes, and other vegetables.
Livestock farming is based not only on the vast pastures of the foothill and mountainous regions but also on field forage production. In general, livestock farming combines ancient folk traditions with the achievements of modern animal husbandry. New breeds of livestock are being raised. Sheep farming remains the main branch.
The technology has completely transformed. Now, powerful new machines operate everywhere in the farms. During the Soviet era, engineering and irrigation structures were built throughout the region, and the construction of extensive reservoirs began.
