EU and UNDP Strengthen Agricultural Innovation Groups in Uzbekistan

EU and UNDP Strengthen Agricultural Innovation Groups in Uzbekistan

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.

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.

"Previously, we learned how to create Innovation Groups and the benefits they can bring. As a member of one of these groups, I was very happy to have the opportunity to implement a European approach that combines science, research, services, and production to improve the sustainability of agricultural practices in Uzbekistan. During the project, we managed to grow high-yielding, disease-resistant wheat, while saving water. Honestly, I had no prior experience working closely with scientists, so I made many mistakes along the way, which led to excess use of water and fertilizers. This experience, however, has been invaluable for my growth as a farmer and group leader," said Nargiza Shernazarova, farmer from Tashkent region.

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. Discussions also addressed scalable models and financing opportunities to sustain innovation, while promoting gender equality and youth inclusion in agriculture.

"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." - highlighted Roberto Aparicio, Programme Manager on Agriculture at the Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan.

The workshop showcased practical examples of similar EIP-AGRI projects implemented in Italy, demonstrating how innovation partnerships have addressed real agricultural challenges to .increase productivity in a more sustainable manner.

UNDP Lead Specialist Ivan Horvat encouraged participants to envision new approaches for the agricultural sector.

"From the very beginning of the project, we started collaborating with a leading Italian agricultural research institute, which has a successful track record of implementing over 500 operational groups to date. CREA has provided technical advice, capacity-building programs, and practical tools to the first Innovation Groups in Uzbekistan outside the European Union," - stated Ulugbek Islamov, National Project Coordinator.

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. The newly launched Youth Hub at the Zangiota Agrotechnological TVET now provides a platform for the next generation to develop innovative projects for the country's agri-food sector.

These achievements underline EU-AGRIN's contribution to building a more resilient, inclusive, and innovation-driven agricultural system in Uzbekistan, made possible with the financial support of the European Union.