Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The delegation from the representatives of the European Union in Uzbekistan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), conducted field visits to various Innovation Groups (IGs) in the Ferghana region, focusing on pioneering agricultural and aquacultural practices. The delegation included EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan H.E. Mr. Toivo Klaar, UNDP Resident Representative Akiko Fujii, and other key stakeholders including scientists, local farmers, and project staff from the EU-funded EU-AGRIN project.

Innovation Groups consist of diverse stakeholders—farmers, advisors, researchers, and NGOs—who collaborate to tackle specific production challenges. The goal of these groups is to quickly implement and test new breeds, innovative approaches, and technologies directly on farms, supported by dedicated funds and clear guidelines. The concept originated in the EU as part of the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) in the 2010s.

UNDP, with the EU funding, adapted this mechanism to Uzbekistan, marking its first implementation outside Europe. This initiative is particularly significant for a country where access to advanced agricultural knowledge is limited and farmers face fundamental challenges such as water scarcity, soil salinity, and the impacts of climate change, which threaten their productivity and livelihoods.

Selected amongst 200 applications, 18 Innovation Groups in Tashkent (8 IGs), Ferghana (5 IGs), and Kashkadarya (5 IGs) are been supported to test specific solutions in farm conditions, ranging from new resistant hybrids of crops and soil remediation advancements to improved livestock breeds and new fish farming models. The recent two-day field visit to Ferghana focused on five innovation groups located in the Kuva, Oltiarik, Besharik, and Dangara districts.

The trip began with a visit to an innovation group specialised in cotton production in the Kuva district, led by the Scientific Research Institute of Cotton Breeding, Seed Breeding, and Cultivation Agrotechnologies. This group showcased the introduction of innovative, water-efficient technologies and integrated pest management practices designed to boost cotton yields and save resources, including reductions of 25-30% in fertilizer use and 40-50% in irrigation water consumption.

“The European Union is committed to supporting Uzbekistan in its journey toward sustainable agricultural practices. The progress shown by these Innovation Groups illustrates the power of collaboration among farmers, researchers, and local stakeholders. By investing in innovation, we are not just enhancing productivity; we are also building resilience against climate change and ensuring food security for future generations,” noted Toivo Klaar, EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan.

The delegation also visited an experimental field of an Innovation Group focused on organic tomato cultivation and dehydration technology, led by the Scientific Research Institute of Vegetable, Melons, and Potato Breeding of Uzbekistan. This initiative aims to produce high-yield, export-quality tomatoes using a solar-powered drip irrigation system, which minimizes carbon emissions and reduces water consumption.

The next visit focused on soil health in Dangara district, where delegates observed the introduction of modern technologies to restore soil fertility and reduce salinity under the leadership of the Institute of Microbiology at the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

“We are happy to witness firsthand the innovative practices being implemented by local farmers through the Innovation Groups. This collaboration empowers communities while working to address critical challenges such as water scarcity and soil health. Together, we are paving the way for sustainable agriculture that is beneficial for both the environment and the livelihoods of Uzbek farmers,” highlighted Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan.

Still in Dangara district, the delegation met with farmers involved in the innovation group on drought-tolerant and high-yield mung bean. The introduction of the new "Barkaror" mung bean variety by the innovation group led by the Research Institute of Plant Genetic Resources employs resource-efficient soil recovery techniques to achieve impressive yields of 0.7-1.5 tons per hectare, significantly exceeding those of traditional varieties.

The field trip ended with a visit to the Innovation Group on aquaculture in Besharik district. Led by the Research Institute of Fisheries, this group focuses on testing modern techniques such as water recycling and solar heating to enhance fish production sustainability. Delegates visited households that valorise limited water resources through fish farming while enhancing their economic status.