FAO and Paktakor District discuss sustainable agriculture

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Uzbekistan, led by Sherzod Umarov, visited Paktakor District in the Jizzakh Region, where they held talks with district governor Khusan Abduvohidov.

During the meeting, the sides discussed prospects for modernizing agriculture, expanding sustainable farming practices, and introducing advanced technologies into the agricultural sector.

Particular attention was given to sustainable plant protection against pests, improving the skills of farmers and household landowners, and expanding the practical application of innovative agricultural technologies.

The meeting also covered mechanisms for organizing Farmer Field Schools under the project “Technical Assistance for Sound Management of Hazardous Chemicals,” implemented by FAO with financial support from the European Union.

The initiative aims to strengthen farmers’ capacity in integrated pest management, expand the use of biological pest control methods, and introduce practice-oriented training approaches in field conditions. The program was previously implemented in the Fergana and Namangan regions and is currently being continued in Paktakor District.

It was noted that Farmer Field Schools are expected to expand experience sharing among land users, involve advanced farmers, and develop territorial knowledge exchange. The project also envisages a gradual reduction in the use of highly hazardous pesticides and the promotion of sustainable farming methods.

The discussions also addressed prospects for growing mung beans using no-till technology, which involves minimal soil cultivation. This approach was highlighted as contributing to soil fertility preservation, reduced production costs, water and energy savings, and increased resilience of the agricultural sector to climate change.

FAO representatives expressed readiness to provide technical support on seed selection, planting technology, and the full cultivation cycle of the crop.

In addition, the sides discussed the introduction of smart water resource management technologies on demonstration plots in the district, improving water use efficiency, and creating practical training platforms for farmers.

A separate focus was placed on ensuring equal access for women and young farmers to modern knowledge, technologies, and educational opportunities.

In this context, data from a 2025 FAO report were cited, according to which women account for only 6 percent of farm landowners in Uzbekistan. The importance of a gender-sensitive approach in modernizing agriculture and disseminating innovative solutions was emphasized.

The meeting concluded that the implementation of these initiatives would contribute to improving agricultural productivity, expanding sustainable farming practices, and creating new opportunities for farmers in the region.