Karakalpakstan Launches Accelerator for Farmers and Agribusiness

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A new accelerator programme for farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs will be launched in Karakalpakstan to strengthen participants' knowledge and skills, support the commercialisation of agricultural products and create new market opportunities.

The initiative is part of the "Development of Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems on Degraded Lands of Karakalpakstan" project, financed by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD).

The programme is being organised jointly by the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) of the United Arab Emirates and the Innovation Development Agency of Uzbekistan.

Training sessions will begin on 3 August and run for one month at the Nukus Youth Technopark.

Participants will receive practical training in developing value-added products, modern business management, product commercialisation and access to new markets.

The project is expected to reach a total of 200 farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs across Karakalpakstan.

"Farmer support needed to move to a new level"

According to ICBA Director Tarifa Alzaabi, the accelerator programme was developed based on the experience and results of projects implemented in Karakalpakstan.

"While evaluating the outcomes of our projects, we identified the need to take support for farmers to a new level," she said.

"Through this programme, participants will gain modern knowledge and practical skills, apply them effectively in their work and acquire the experience needed to develop successful businesses."

She said the programme's main objective is to provide farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs with the knowledge and practical skills required to become successful entrepreneurs and efficient farmers.

Value chain to follow a "Farm to Fork" approach

Alzaabi said it is important to support farmers not only during production but throughout the entire value chain.

"We aim to support farmers across the entire value chain. This is the 'Farm to Fork' approach, covering production, processing, marketing and delivery to consumers," she said.

According to Alzaabi, the programme will equip participants with knowledge and skills covering every stage, from seed sowing and soil preparation to crop cultivation, processing and market access.

Salt- and drought-tolerant crops create new opportunities

Alzaabi said the introduction of climate-smart crops adapted to Karakalpakstan's conditions is one of the programme's key priorities.

"In the context of the Aral Sea crisis and climate change, special attention should be paid to climate-smart crops. We have introduced drought- and salt-tolerant crops for farmers in Karakalpakstan. This makes it possible to use water and other natural resources more efficiently," she said.

She added that such crops not only improve agricultural efficiency but also create additional value for the region's ecosystem.

Upon completion of the accelerator programme, particular emphasis will be placed on bringing participants' products to market, supporting their commercialisation and developing value-added supply chains.

The organisers said the initiative is expected to promote innovative and sustainable agriculture in Karakalpakstan while enhancing the competitiveness of farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs.