The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) recently presented its multi-year sustainable agricultural production systems project in Karakalpakstan.
The project, funded by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), was launched in 2022 to address severe environmental challenges in Karakalpakstan, primarily caused by the shrinking of the Aral Sea.
Implemented in collaboration with the International Innovation Center for the Aral Sea Basin (IICAS), the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, and other local ministries and partners, key achievements of the project include the introduction of 25 genotypes of different food and fodder crops at demonstration sites in Nukus, Chimbay, and Muynak, it was shared.
The project, presented at a ceremony attended by H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, also focuses on improving irrigation infrastructure across these sites with the installation of systems such as drip irrigation and water storage solutions.
Various soil amendments have been introduced to increase soil fertility, while modern agri-aquaculture systems and locally adopted greenhouses are being developed, ICBA explained.
“This initiative not only enhances agricultural productivity and food security in the region but also promotes long-term sustainability, addresses critical environmental issues such as soil salinization, and strengthens economic development by creating new jobs and supporting local communities,” said His Excellency Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan.
His Excellency Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), commented: “At ADFD, we consider this project to be a catalyst for positive change, as it will enhance food security, build resilience, and tackle climate challenges in the Aral Sea region. By leveraging our expertise in development finance, ICBA’s technical knowledge, Uzbekistan’s agricultural expertise, and IICAS’s research and innovation, we aim to provide customized solutions for the local agricultural community.”
Adding: “This collaborative effort will strengthen Karakalpakstan’s agricultural capacity, promote job creation, and support agribusiness, consequently contributing to the region’s immediate and long-term growth.”
The project reportedly places an emphasis on empowering women in agriculture by facilitating targeted training programs and farmer field schools.
So far, more than 200 scientists, extension workers, and farmers have been trained in different aspects of soil, water, and crop management over the course of the project.