Uzbekistan Concludes “Smart Farming for the Next Generation” Project

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The final national seminar of the project “Smart Farming for the Next Generation,” implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) together with the Ministry of Agriculture and supported by the Government of the Republic of Korea, was held in the capital. The initiative marked an important milestone in the country’s transition toward climate-oriented agriculture.

Launched in 2020, the project promoted the development of sustainable greenhouse vegetable farming. More than 60 farms, two-thirds of them headed by women, received upgraded greenhouses, access to high-quality seedlings, drip irrigation systems, and specialized technical assistance. Over the course of the project, more than 900 field consultations, 32 demonstration sessions, and 12 training modules were conducted, engaging over 300 farmers, rural families, young specialists, and agribusiness representatives.

The results were remarkable: crop yields increased by up to 76 percent, while household incomes rose by 159 percent. Losses from pests and diseases were significantly reduced through the use of integrated plant protection methods. Technologies such as bumblebee pollination, fertigation, digital monitoring, and modern post-harvest solutions were widely introduced.

A key highlight of the seminar was the presentation of the National Strategy for the Development of Small Greenhouses in Uzbekistan, which envisions large-scale adoption of protected agriculture across the country. The strategy emphasizes climate resilience, expanded access to finance, and greater support for women and youth.

“Smart farming is no longer a distant dream—it is being implemented here and now,” noted Deputy Minister of Agriculture Jamshidjon Abduzukhurov. “This project has demonstrated that modern technologies and partnerships can increase productivity, protect the environment, and improve the living standards of rural families.”

The seminar concluded with a field visit to the demonstration greenhouse of the Research Institute of Vegetable and Melon Crops and Potatoes, where participants observed the use of digital tools and advanced irrigation and pollination systems.

According to project leader and FAO senior technical officer Leone Mallocchetti Lombi, Uzbekistan’s experience will be applied in future FAO initiatives in other countries, including Zambia, Honduras, and Lesotho.

The project has become a milestone in the transformation of Uzbekistan’s agri-food system, founded on innovation, partnership, and sustainable farming practices.