Within the activities funded by the European Union the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Uzbekistan partnered the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan and organized a training workshop on the objectives of the project aimed at 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.

The event was attended by representatives of AKIS Agri Service Centers of Fergana, Kashkadarya and Tashkent regions, agricultural research institutes and their research and experimental stations in the regions, academic staff of local higher and vocational educational institutions specializing in agriculture, and farmers.

At the beginning of the seminar, the organizers provided an overview of the main goals and objectives of the European Union funded project implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture.

 National Project Coordinator Ulugbek Islamov said: "The main goal of the project is to link science, research, services and production. To this end, the project will work with research and educational institutions, farmers, dekhkan farms, NGOs, service providers, as well as public and private sector organizations to improve the sustainability of agricultural production in Uzbekistan,".

The seminar was conducted by Mr. David Kahan, the UK based International Project Consultant with 40 years of experience in agriculture development.  The introductory part of the training featured the presentation of the concept of "Innovation groups" in agricultural development, which is successfully being implemented in European countries. It was followed by a practical training, in which the participants divided into three groups and imitated

the activities of the future "Innovation groups". Each group has analyzed the main challenges related to grain and cotton, livestock, horticulture and water resources. Then the groups examined the impact of the identified problem on the environment and natural resources. At the end of the practical training, they presented their projects aimed at addressing existing challenges and shortcomings using innovative methods in agricultural production based on their research.

"The role of innovation in agricultural development, competitiveness and economic growth in Uzbekistan is invaluable. Farmers need to be able to effectively manage their farms as a business enterprise and have sufficient knowledge and skills to overcome different risks, depending on their capacity and strength. Effective communication with the private sector is necessary to apply innovation, and innovation experts are needed to establish this communication," Mr. Kahan has noted.

“Innovation groups” will develop and implement innovative projects with scientific and practical solution to adapt to and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change in agriculture. This group will include farmers, farms, researchers, agribusiness professionals, entrepreneurs, and representatives of other related organizations. As a result of collective research on various problems and shortcomings, they will be able to develop and implement projects consisting of innovative solutions and approaches in agriculture. The project will award special grants to the best and most innovative projects through transparent selection process.