Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) plan to expand cooperation in seed production, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Agriculture reported.
The issue was discussed by Agriculture Minister Ibrahim Abdurakhmonov and institute representatives during his working visit to the United States.
The meeting was held with a group of specialists led by Manzoor Dar, representing ICRISAT. The sides discussed prospects for expanding scientific cooperation, arranging talks between relevant specialists and identifying priority areas for joint work.
Following the discussions, the parties agreed to sign a bilateral cooperation document during upcoming high-level events.
One of the potential key areas of cooperation will be research into crop breeding and seed production. Amid climate change, water scarcity and rising demand for agricultural products, developing high-yielding crop varieties that can withstand adverse conditions is becoming increasingly important.
Cooperation with international research centres could support the introduction of modern breeding methods, the exchange of expertise and the professional development of specialists.
The partnership with ICRISAT is expected to create additional opportunities to strengthen Uzbekistan’s research capacity in seed production and improve the resilience of its agriculture to climate change.
Abdurakhmonov’s working visit to the United States is continuing.
