"Innovation groups" aimed at agriculture development are being formed in Tashkent region

Within the European Union funded project on "Supporting an inclusive transition to a “green” economy in the Agri-food sector and development of a “climate-smart” Uzbek Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation System” (“EU-AGRIN”) UNDP in Uzbekistan jointly with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan held a series of meetings aimed at formation of "Innovation groups".

The meetings were attended by leading researchers from research institutes in the Tashkent region, such as the Research Institute of Selection, Seed Production and Agricultural Technology of Cotton Growing; Research institute of horticulture, viniculture, and wine-marking named after Makhmud Mirzaev; Research institute of vegetable-melon crops and potato; Research Institute of Plant Genetic Resources; Research Institute of Plant Protection; Research Institute of Animal Husbandry and Poultry; Research Institute of Fish Breeding as well as teachers of the Zangiata Agrotechnological College; representatives of NGO "Agrarian Women", Agricultural Services Center (AKIS) of Tashkent region, as well as local farmers.

Based on the results of meetings and discussions, four innovative groups were formed, aimed at the "Creation and cultivation of high-yielding, early-ripening cotton varieties resistant to various diseases and pests", "Cultivation of fruit varieties adapted to various soil and climatic conditions", "Piloting climate-sustainable methods dairy farming on the example of households” and “Increase in domestic varieties of vegetable and melon crops”.

Each innovation groups will meant to bring together innovation actors such as researchers, farmers, dekhkans, teachers of TVET (technical and vocational education and training), regional representatives of Agricultural Services Center AKIS, and other NGOs to advance innovation in the agricultural sector.

An innovational group is meant to be "operational" and tackle a certain (practical) problem or opportunity that may lead to an innovative solution. Therefore, will conduct special training on drawing up a plan, describing their specific project, and the expected results of the project.

Also, project going to provide for necessary equipment for mobile laboratories to analyze the condition of soil and plants in the pilot regions (Fergana, Kashkadarya and Tashkent regions), as well as to provide veterinary and other research institutes with lack of the necessary equipment.