Innovative groups of Fergana and Kashkadarya regions will test new ideas in agriculture

In Fergana and Kashkadarya regions, innovation groups have been formed as part of a joint project of UNDP and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan “Support for an inclusive transition to a green economy in the agri-food sector and development of a climate-smart knowledge and innovation system in agriculture in Uzbekistan”, funded by the European Union (“EU-AGRIN “).

In order to identify potential participants in these groups, a number of events were organized in Kashkadarya and Fergana regions.

In particular, meetings were held in the Ferghana region with representatives of the Ferghana Scientific and Experimental Stations of the Research Institute of Grain and Leguminous Crops and the Research Institute of Selection, Seed Growing and Agricultural Technology of Cotton Growing, the Besharik Regional Vocational College, the Yetakchi Bogbon Cluster in the Kuva Region and the Agro-Services Center of the Ferghana Region.

In the Kashkadarya region, discussions were held with representatives of the Research Institute of Agriculture of the Southern Districts, the Khokimiyat of the Kashkadarya region, the Kashkadarya Research Station of Livestock and Poultry Farming, the Research Institute of Horticulture, Viticulture and Winemaking named after. Academician Makhmud Mirzaev, Research Institute of Vegetables, Melons and Potatoes, Research Institute of Plant Genetic Resources and the Center for Agro-Services of Kashkadarya Region.

Based on the results of meetings and discussions in the Fergana region, innovative groups were formed in the following areas – “Creation and cultivation of high-yielding and early-ripening varieties of cotton that are resistant to climate change, various diseases and pests”, “Development of selection of various fish species adapted to the local climate” and ” The introduction of intensively cultivated varieties of grains and legumes using specially processed organic fertilizers.

In the Kashkadarya region, the activities of 4 innovative groups will be launched – “Cultivation of durum wheat varieties adapted to the early spring and southern climate to obtain high-quality flour products”, “Breeding of the Gisar type of sheep”, “Creation of local varieties of gourds adapted to the local climate” and “Creation of new intensive orchards in areas with complex reclamation conditions.”

Each Innovation Group will consist of representatives of research institutes, secondary specialized educational institutions, farms and dekhkan farms, entrepreneurs and regional ACIS Agro Services Centers. The members of this group carry out practical tests of scientific research and lay the foundation for the implementation of positive results in other regions.

In addition, it is planned to conduct a training seminar on the effective launch of the activities of 12 innovation groups formed in Tashkent, Ferghana and Kashkadarya regions, the transformation of an innovative idea into a project and its financing. At this training, the members of the innovation team will have the opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills in writing project proposals to receive grant funds.

As part of the project, it is planned to provide innovative groups with mobile laboratories equipped with modern equipment for analyzing the condition of soil and plants in remote areas, as well as for providing veterinary and other services.