On August 19–20, 2022, Tashkent hosts a joint training session within the European Union funded project implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan on “Supporting inclusive transition to a green economy in the agri-food sector and development of a “climate-smart” Uzbek agriculture knowledge and innovation system” (“EU -AGRIN").

The main objective of this event is to help strengthen the activities of 13 innovation groups formed in the Tashkent, Fergana, and Kashkadarya regions, via building their capacities in project design based on scientific research and funding tools.

The seminar is attended by representatives of agricultural research institutes and their regional scientific and experimental stations, Agro Service Centers of the Fergana, Kashkadarya and Tashkent regions of the National Center for Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation, secondary specialized educational institutions specializing in agriculture and farming.

According to UNDP National Project Coordinator Ulugbek Islamov, the main goal of innovation groups is to increase the use of opportunities in agriculture and address existing problems through mutual integration of science, research, service system and production.

It is worth mentioning that the “Innovation Groups” develop and implement innovative projects with a scientific and practical solution aimed at adapting to climate change in agriculture and mitigating its negative impacts. This group may include representatives of farms, dekhkan farms, agribusiness, researchers, entrepreneurs and representatives of organizations. They develop and implement projects with innovative solutions and approaches aimed at addressing various problems and shortcomings through collective research.

The event also featured presentations on the implementation of international standards in food production, topical issues of adaptation to climate change in agriculture. In particular, experts will make presentations on the effective use of agricultural land based on satellite data.

“Innovation groups” were briefed about the criteria and conditions for receiving grant funds provided by the EU-AGRIN project.