Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has presented Uzbekistan's experience in climate-resilient agriculture, water management and the restoration of degraded land at the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31).
The results were showcased at two parallel events in the Uzbekistan Pavilion, with a focus on the FOLUR Uzbekistan project, which promotes sustainable agricultural practices and strengthens farms' ability to adapt to climate change and water scarcity.
Both sessions were opened and moderated by Sherzod Umarov, assistant FAO representative in Uzbekistan. He highlighted the importance of international cooperation and knowledge-sharing to promote effective agricultural practices adapted to regional conditions.
The first session presented results from the introduction of soil-conservation technologies and sustainable land management practices. Project national coordinator Aziz Nurbekov said 320 beneficiaries had received direct support through the initiative. Activities included the introduction of zero tillage, crop diversification and water-saving technologies.
Sherzod Nizamov, head of the FOLUR Uzbekistan project team, said the area under soil-conservation farming methods had expanded from an initial 60 hectares of demonstration plots in six districts to approximately 4,940 hectares.
Field research also showed improvements in water infiltration under the new methods. The rate under zero tillage reached 27mm per hour, compared with 16mm per hour under conventional farming.
The second session focused on practical responses to water scarcity and the restoration of degraded land.
One example was a pilot project to build an artificial ice reservoir, known as an Ice Stupa, in Sarchashma village in Shakhrisabz district, Kashkadarya Region. Over approximately 20 days, the structure accumulated around 800 cubic metres of water in the form of ice. The stored water provided an additional supply for about 60 households during periods of water shortage.
Another initiative involved restoring land in the Oksuv area of Kamashi district. Around 16,000 seedlings were planted across 90 hectares, with a survival rate of approximately 80%.
Monitoring of demonstration plots using rainwater harvesting systems showed that different engineering solutions produced varying results. On stone-reinforced terraces, the survival rate of almond seedlings and shrubs reached 88%. On plots with semicircular water-harvesting bunds, survival rates for some plant species reached 95%.
Participants also discussed ways to improve the efficiency of the dairy sector and expand small producers' access to markets.
Bekhruz Shukurov, a dairy value chain expert, presented findings from a survey of 105 households in three districts. The study identified problems with milk collection, cooling and transportation.
In Yangibazar district, all 35 households surveyed said they were willing to participate in a specialised milk collection centre or cooperative if the necessary infrastructure were established.
The results presented at COP31 highlighted practical opportunities to introduce climate-resilient agricultural methods in Uzbekistan.
The FOLUR project demonstrates how combining soil-conservation techniques, more efficient water management and the restoration of degraded land can help rural communities become more resilient to the effects of climate change.
The FOLUR Uzbekistan project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by Uzbekistan's National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, the Ministry of Agriculture and FAO.
