Julia Eckert, Georg Elwert (1996):
Land Tenure in Uzbekistan

2.4.2 Criteria for obtaining a lease

In 42 % of the cases a lease was given only to the family head. [FN 72] In the other cases every member of the former kolkhoz could become a Shirkat tenant, even unmarried women, [FN 73] but not every family member could obtain a lease. Depending on the availability of land one plot of 1 to 2 ha was given per 4 to 9 family members who are able to work. Two reasons were given for that: Firstly, the work had to be done by the family. As for the Dehkhans, land was distributed according to the manpower available within one family. [FN 74] Secondly, social justice was observed: In 70 % of the cases it was stressed that the economic situation of each family was taken into account as well as the number of dependent children or old people etc. [FN 75]

In many kolkhozes leases were given only to former kolkhoz members, sometimes only to those who had been working in agriculture. However, in kolkhozes close to cities, town people had often obtained plots. This was sometimes seen with scepticism by the villagers. [FN 76]

Some of the tenants had themselves other jobs and only worked their plot in their free time. [FN 77] In 50 % of the cases, though, only those who were full time farmers could officially obtain a lease. [FN 78] Neither the agricultural specialist, nor the administrative personnel of the kolkhoz could apply for land, since "they would not have enough time to work the land." [FN 79] The Shirkat system was meant to be a family smallholding; employing workers from outside the family for a wage was not intended, although this was done in 20 % of our cases. [FN 80] A further 35 % planned on employing workers. [FN 81]