Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A regional seminar on developing sustainable wheat production amid climate change was held in Samarkand, bringing together scientists, government representatives and international organisations to exchange experience in modern agricultural technologies and discuss ways to improve farmers’ livelihoods.
The discussions covered the entire wheat value chain, from preserving soil fertility to marketing grain.
The seminar, titled “From Soil Health to Markets: Sustainable Wheat Production Systems for Climate Change Adaptation and Improved Farmer Well-being”, was held under the global Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration (FOLUR) programme in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The opening ceremony was attended by Rustam Kholmurodov, a member of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan; Zhusipbek Kazbekov, deputy chairman of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change; Nurriddin Kushnazarov, adviser to the Minister of Agriculture; and Sherzod Umarov, deputy FAO representative in Uzbekistan.
Speakers outlined key priorities for preserving soil fertility, using natural resources efficiently and introducing technologies that can help agriculture adapt to climate change.
The seminar brought together representatives of the World Bank, the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), as well as scientists and specialists from Uzbekistan, China, Nepal, Morocco, Italy, Switzerland, India, Palestine, Poland, Kazakhstan, the United Kingdom and Ukraine.
“Sustainable wheat production is directly linked to food security and farmers’ incomes. It is therefore important to turn scientific recommendations into practical solutions that farmers can apply on their farms,” said Rustam Kholmurodov, a member of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan.
As part of the scientific programme, experts from Uzbekistan, China, Nepal, Italy, Switzerland, Palestine and Poland presented papers on global wheat production trends, reduced tillage, crop diversification, plant disease control, breeding, regenerative agriculture, water-saving technologies and agricultural digitalisation.
Particular attention was given to opportunities to create added value at different stages of the production and marketing chain, as well as to reducing the environmental impact of agricultural production.
Participants examined how modern agricultural technologies could help lower production costs and make wheat cultivation more resilient to climate risks.
“A long-term priority in wheat production should be to increase yields while preserving soil fertility, the environment and biodiversity,” said Zhusipbek Kazbekov, deputy chairman of Uzbekistan’s National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change.
The discussions also covered the development of wheat varieties resistant to diseases and pests, the adoption of modern breeding advances and the use of biological plant protection methods. Participants stressed the importance of developing the entire value chain and expanding farmers’ access to modern technologies.
“The benefits of new technology must be visible to farmers in the field. It should reduce water consumption and production costs, improve crop quality and increase incomes. Demonstration plots make it possible to assess such solutions in practice and introduce them to farmers,” said Nurriddin Kushnazarov, adviser to Uzbekistan’s Minister of Agriculture.
Representatives of Uzbekistan, China, Kazakhstan, India and Ukraine shared information on the progress and results of national projects implemented under the FOLUR programme.
In particular, the FOLUR Uzbekistan project, implemented with FAO participation, aims to introduce sustainable farming practices in areas affected by soil salinity and drought. Its main objectives include improving soil conditions, making more efficient use of land and water resources, and increasing farm incomes.
The practical part of the seminar included visits to demonstration plots in Kashkadarya Region.
In Kamashi District, participants learned about rainwater harvesting technologies and wheat cultivation on rainfed land. In Shakhrisabz District, they were shown direct seeding of winter wheat without prior soil tillage, as well as cultivation practices on irrigated land. Participants also visited a site showcasing wheat seed-cleaning equipment.
The field programme also included a demonstration of digital irrigation technologies in cotton farming. Experts discussed the potential of these solutions to reduce water consumption and increase crop yields.
Participants also considered prospects for increasing the share of legumes on rainfed and irrigated land, improving soil degradation monitoring, promoting sustainable land management and expanding cooperation with the private sector.
The regional seminar and visits to demonstration sites brought together scientific developments and practical experience from agricultural enterprises.
Knowledge exchange and international cooperation in this area are intended to support the adoption of sustainable agricultural technologies, strengthen food security and improve the economic resilience of farming households.
