Uzbekistan and UC Berkeley Discuss AI in Agriculture

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Minister of Agriculture of Uzbekistan Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov discussed the integration of artificial intelligence in agriculture, sector digitalization, and the development of innovative education with Yahya Tabesh, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley).

Yahya Tabesh serves as a senior researcher at UC Berkeley's AMENA Center for Entrepreneurship and Development and is an artificial intelligence researcher. During the meeting, the sides examined opportunities to apply AI technologies in the agricultural sector, develop decision-support systems, and utilize data-driven smart technologies for farm management.

Special attention was given to advancing cooperation with UC Berkeley in education and scientific research. Proposals included attracting university professors and experts to Uzbekistan, conducting practical classes for students and local specialists, and launching joint educational and research programs.

During the meeting, a preliminary conceptual framework was presented for establishing an AI Innovation Park. Under the initiative, AI technologies are envisioned for application in agritech, industry, energy, logistics, and other priority sectors. The creation of an educational and practical environment to implement innovative projects was also proposed.

Participants discussed specialist training in the context of advancing artificial intelligence. Tabesh noted the importance of combining technical knowledge with the development of creativity, ethical thinking, humanism, and imagination.

A key approach considered by the parties involves using artificial intelligence to enhance human capabilities rather than replace them.

In this regard, the sides discussed introducing modern methods into agricultural education based on project-based learning, practical problem solving, and the development of creative thinking.