Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is conducting training workshops in Jondor District of Bukhara Region and Nurata District of Navoi Region for rural women. The workshops focus on organizing milk production and processing in households, developing beekeeping, as well as business management, gender awareness, and women’s socio-political activism.

These trainings are part of the project “Sustainable Management of Forests and Pastures in Dryland Ecosystems of Uzbekistan” and aim to raise awareness and skills among rural residents in these areas.

Initially, beekeeping training was conducted in Jondor District of Bukhara Region and Nurata District of Navoi Region. Beekeeping has always been a promising sector in agriculture capable of generating good income. In the FAO-organized beekeeping workshops, participants gained foundational knowledge on beekeeping, learned about modern approaches to bee breeding, which will enable them to expand their enterprises and increase their income. Topics covered included seasonal bee care, methods of pollinating crops with bees, characteristics of different bee breeds, bee products and their standard requirements, as well as methods for combating pests and diseases. It was highlighted that bees and other pollinating insects play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem health and food security. They help preserve biodiversity and are essential for producing nutritious food.

Subsequently, in Jondor and Nurata districts, training sessions were held for rural women on organizing milk production and processing at home. Dairy production is a significant source of income in Uzbekistan for many households in rural areas and contributes to improving food security and nutrition. About 50 rural residents participated in the sessions. With the help of specialists, topics such as milk storage and processing at home, creating effective feed rations, and enhancing beekeeping efficiency were covered. The new knowledge and skills will enable participants to improve the efficiency of milk production and thereby increase their income. This will contribute to the more dynamic development of agriculture and more sustainable production, also opening up new opportunities for advancing gender equality among rural populations.

Upon completing the training, participants will acquire modern knowledge on milk processing and storage according to sanitary standards, skills in beekeeping and disease prevention, family entrepreneurship organization, marketing, and farming methods adapted to the local climate. The workshops also support women’s initiatives in agribusiness, promote gender equality, and empower rural residents.

It is known that the FAO conducts various activities to improve food security and nutrition worldwide. In Uzbekistan, the FAO assists the government in developing programs aimed at advancing the agricultural sector, increasing climate resilience, and improving nutrition. Special attention is given to maintaining gender balance when creating improved pasture management conditions.