Climate-Smart Technologies Strengthen Uzbekistan Horticulture
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), together with the International Center for Strategic Development and Research in Food and Agriculture (ISCAD) under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, is implementing the Precision Agriculture for Resilient Commercial Horticulture (PARCH) project, aimed at introducing modern technologies and enhancing the sector's climate resilience.
The initiative, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) through the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific (JFPR), runs from 2025 to 2028. The project is designed to increase commercial horticulture productivity through precision agriculture technologies, rational use of natural resources, and climate-smart agricultural practices.
The project involves 15 farmer groups bringing together 35 orchardists, 82 representatives of dehkan farms, and seven farmers working under contract with an agricultural limited liability company. Based on open selection evaluating business proposals and farm needs, 124 beneficiaries were selected, including 75 women and 49 men.
To support participants, a package of modern equipment has been assembled, including solar power systems, drip and smart irrigation systems, agricultural sprayers, shade nets, water pumps, and cold storage facilities.
The introduction of these solutions is expected to significantly increase water use efficiency, reduce production costs, raise crop yields, and strengthen farms' resilience to climate change impacts.
Project specialists also conducted a technical survey of 15 orchards and 20 dehkan farms in the Bakhmal district.
Results showed that water scarcity remains the main factor limiting horticulture development. Solar-powered irrigation systems were identified as one of the most effective solutions, enabling rational water resource management while reducing farmers' dependence on traditional energy sources.
The project also demonstrates the potential of modern intensive horticulture technologies. While traditional apple orchards yield an average of 8–12 tonnes per hectare, intensive orchards can produce 25–40 tonnes. An increasing number of farmers are adopting High-Density Planting (HDP) systems, which can increase yields four to five times compared to traditional methods.
"Building a sustainable horticulture sector requires not only the introduction of modern technologies, but also strengthening farmers' knowledge and skills, as well as providing practical solutions that meet local needs. Within the project framework, we assist agricultural producers in mastering precision farming technologies, making more efficient use of natural resources, and boosting the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of horticulture production," noted Khayrulla Esonov, technical specialist for the project.
In the next stage of the project, farmers will undergo training in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), precision agriculture technologies, and climate-smart agriculture. Preparation of procurement procedures has already been completed, which will allow participants to be provided with the necessary equipment in the near future.
In addition to farm technical equipment, the project provides for advisory support to farmers, infrastructure development, introduction of modern agrotechnologies, enhancement of entrepreneurial skills, and expanding producers' access to sales markets.
The implementation of the PARCH project contributes to the development of competitive, highly productive, and climate-resilient horticulture in Uzbekistan.
