On September 17, the EU-AGRIN project, implemented in Uzbekistan by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funding from the European Union, in close partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan, organized a workshop with specialists from the Italian Council for Agricultural Research and Analysis of Agricultural Economics (CREA). The initiative continues to strengthen Uzbekistan’s agri-food innovation ecosystem for members of Innovation Groups, UNDP Uzbekistan reported.
The workshop focused on strengthening institutional support for capacity development, sharing best practices in agricultural innovation, and exploring European approaches to sustainable land management and agri-innovation. Local researchers, farmers, and national experts gained practical experience in climate-smart agriculture, water efficiency, and food safety.
“The EU is proud to invest in Uzbekistan to promote agricultural innovation. The agri-food sector is facing enormous environmental challenges, and it remains critical for Uzbekistan’s economy as a major source of employment. Moreover, family farms produce the majority of the meat and vegetables consumed by Uzbek citizens. Therefore, we focus on reforms that enable these farmers to prosper, adapt to a changing climate, protect the environment, produce healthy food, and strengthen their position in local and global value chains,” said Roberto Aparicio, Programme Manager on Agriculture at the Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan.
The EU-AGRIN project has established 18 Innovation Groups across Tashkent, Fergana, and Kashkadarya regions, achieving measurable results in water saving, soil fertility improvement, higher crop yields, and sustainable pasture management:
55% reduction in energy and water use via solar-powered drip irrigation.
33% higher yields of major crops with climate-resilient seeds and efficient inputs.
1227 t/ha GHG emissions cut through resource-efficient technologies, fish farming, and pasture management.
Income up by 34% through sustainable technologies, biological pest control, livestock improvement, and milk production via women-led cooperatives.
More than 9,000 people, including 2276 women, have benefited from project trainings and learning opportunities. This includes study tours to Italy and Germany to exchange knowledge on innovation and strengthen Uzbekistan’s capacity for sustainable agriculture.
