Artificial Intelligence Helps Uzbek Farmers Increase Yields and Market Access

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Murad Khusanov, an entrepreneur with extensive experience in agribusiness and technology, is among the participants in the “Modernization of Uzbekistan’s National Innovation System” (MUNIS) project, according to the World Bank.

The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation with financial support from the World Bank totaling US$50 million and is aimed, among other objectives, at commercializing innovative developments by local researchers and entrepreneurs.

Several years ago, Murad Khusanov developed the AI-based GROWZ platform, which helps small-scale farmers increase crop yields and expand access to markets.

The system provides advisory services on identifying pests and diseases affecting more than 100 plant species, along with recommendations for addressing them. It analyzes weather, satellite, and soil data to support crop management and also includes an agricultural marketplace as well as information on available microfinance tools.

In 2024, with support from the MUNIS project, the first working version of the platform was created, the business model was tested, and the project began to scale. Today, GROWZ has recorded more than 50,000 downloads, over 25,000 active users nationwide, and has created 12 jobs.

At a recent meeting with the World Bank’s Regional Director for Central Asia, Naji Benhassine, Murad Khusanov presented the results achieved and shared plans for 2026.

He intends to expand GROWZ’s audience to 500,000 active users, enter international markets, and achieve annual revenues of US$8 million by the end of 2027.

The MUNIS project has been supporting innovation development in Uzbekistan for several years. With its assistance, 190 new products and services have been created, along with around 260 jobs, including positions within Murad Khusanov’s team.