Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan and the ICBA International Center sign memorandum

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 8–9 August, Tashkent hosted a multilateral forum on the topic “Transition from agricultural and environmental problems to opportunities to attract investment and innovation in the Aral Sea basin region”.

The event, which was attended by Minister of Agriculture of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjaev, Minister of Innovation Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan Ibrohim Abdurakhmonov, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Central Council of the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan Boriy Alikhanov, specialists from the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea and representatives of several international organizations, focused on improving modern environmental conditions in the Aral Sea region, achieving stable development of science and innovation on approach in the region.

During the forum, Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjaev and Director General of the International Center for Bio-Farming in Saline Soil (ICBA) Professor Ismakhan Eluafi signed a memorandum of understanding.

According to this document, cooperation in mutually beneficial areas is provided. In particular, the memorandum envisages the development of innovative technologies and approaches, the diversification of crops, the provision of integrated plant growing systems, the relationship between livestock and forestry, the water sector, the development of breeding, seed production, seed production and modern distribution methods under the “farmer to farmer” program seed.

At the forum, the participants considered proposals and projects with the help of which it is possible to strengthen the quality of food and food security of more than 1.8 million people living in this territory. The drying up of the Aral Sea and its consequences are considered one of the most serious environmental disasters on the planet. Drought and salinization of the soil negatively affect human health, ecosystem conditions, agriculture and biodiversity.

Often repeated salt and dust storms cause many unique animals, birds, fish and plants to disappear. And this complicates the state of the agroecosystem, water supply and the life of the population.

At the initiative of our President, significant work is being carried out in the field of solving the Aral Sea problem and improving the living standards of the local population. In particular, in order to solve the problem through a scientific and innovative approach, regional and international assistance was organized.

The participants of the event made suggestions in the field of improving food security, water supply for the local population, exchanged views in the direction of scientific, technical and innovative approaches to them. In particular, clear recommendations on water management in the region were developed.

On the second day of the forum, projects were developed on adaptive approaches to feed crops and livestock breeding in the Aral Sea region, as well as the introduction of a variety of alternative crops that are highly nutritious and more resistant to climate due to their drought tolerance.