The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has handed over mobile laboratory equipment to the Karakalpak Republican Center for Agricultural Services under the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan. This initiative enables farmers in the Aral Sea region to make science-based decisions and adapt to climate change, transforming the agricultural service system and enhancing farmers’ potential in one of the regions most affected by the climate crisis into a sustainable agroecosystem, UNDP Uzbekistan reported.
Currently, in the Aral Sea region, farmers face serious daily challenges: saline soils limit crop choices, unpredictable weather conditions disrupt planting plans, and lack of information about soil conditions leads to inefficient use of water and fertilizers. Until now, obtaining soil condition data required sending samples to laboratories and waiting weeks for results, making it impossible to respond promptly to changing field conditions.
The mobile laboratory allows agricultural center specialists to obtain a complete picture of soil conditions directly in the field within 15-20 minutes. The equipment includes a full set of tools for field diagnostics and effective sustainable farming. These tools show when plants need irrigation, preventing both drought and waterlogging. Soil analyzers instantly determine acidity, salinity, temperature, and nutrient content, allowing farmers to know exactly which crops are best suited for specific plots and when to plant them.
“The mobile laboratory represents a long-term investment in the future of sustainable agriculture in the region. Precise diagnosis of soil and climatic conditions will enable farmers to improve product quality and meet international standards. This equipment gives us the opportunity to provide science-based, personalized recommendations for each plot based on comprehensive analysis of soil conditions and microclimate,” noted B. Annakulov, Director of the Karakalpak Republican Center for Agricultural Services.
This project is implemented within the framework of the UNDP project “Enhancing the resilience of local population and promoting green, inclusive development of the most vulnerable communities in the Aral Sea region,” funded by the Government of the Russian Federation.
