Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is conducting training for specialists in pesticide residue analysis using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) in Tashkent from 26 to 29 October.
The sessions are being held at the National Centre for Environmental Monitoring (NCEM) and led by Mohammad Nazem Shirazi, an international laboratory specialist.
The programme covers the theory and practical application of LC–MS/MS, a modern analytical system recently installed at NCEM for pesticide residue analysis.
Participants include laboratory specialists from NCEM, regional departments of ecology and climate change in Ferghana, Samarkand, Tashkent, Surkhandarya and Navoi regions, and the Republic of Karakalpakstan. Representatives of the Republican Centre for Agrochemical Analysis and the Agency for Waste Management and Circular Economy Development are also taking part.
Reliable pesticide residue analysis is essential for detecting environmental contamination, supporting regulatory decisions and protecting public health.
Training staff to operate modern analytical equipment strengthens Uzbekistan’s national environmental monitoring system and helps ensure reliable, traceable analytical results.
The current training is the third phase of a programme on quality management and chemical safety, following sessions held in June and August 2026.
The four-day programme includes familiarisation with the equipment, development and calibration of analytical methods, quantitative data processing and interpretation, quality assurance and quality control in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017, troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.
Theoretical sessions are supplemented by practical exercises, subject to equipment readiness and the availability of the required reference standards, reagents and consumables. The training also provides an opportunity to assess the system’s operational readiness and identify technical support needs.
By the end of the programme, participants are expected to strengthen their skills in operating LC–MS/MS systems, analysing pesticide residues, applying quality assurance and quality control procedures, and verifying data. Further hands-on practice under the guidance of mentors, along with technical support, will help expand environmental monitoring capacity across the country’s laboratory network and relevant agencies.
“Modern equipment delivers real benefits only when laboratory staff can operate it confidently and produce reliable results. This training links equipment operation with quality assurance, helping turn analytical data into sound environmental decisions,” said Mohammad Nazem Shirazi, an international laboratory specialist.
“Strengthening our laboratory’s analytical capacity is a priority for the National Centre for Environmental Monitoring. Introducing LC–MS/MS technology and upgrading staff skills in using this equipment are important steps towards obtaining reliable, internationally recognised data on pesticide residues in environmental samples. This will expand our ability to fulfil our environmental monitoring mandate and support informed decisions on chemical management in Uzbekistan,” said NCEM Director Rustam Ergashev.
The FAO project “Technical Assistance for the Sound Management of Hazardous Chemicals”, funded by the European Union with a budget of €3.9 million, aims to reduce environmental degradation in Uzbekistan.
To achieve this, the project seeks to improve pesticide management, strengthen the chemicals management system and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
