The European Union and UNDP Visit Innovation Groups Dedicated to Agricultural Development in the Fergana Region

Introduction

The delegation from the representatives of the European Union in Uzbekistan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recently conducted field visits to various Innovation Groups (IGs) in the Fergana region. The focus of these visits was 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

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.

Adapting the Mechanism to Uzbekistan

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.

Field Visits

Selected amongst 200 applications, 18 Innovation Groups in Tashkent (8 IGs), Fergana (5 IGs), and Kashkadarya (5 IGs) are being supported to test specific solutions in farm conditions. These solutions range 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 Fergana focused on five innovation groups located in the Kuva, Oltiarik, Besharik, and Dangara districts.

Field Visit Highlights

1. Innovation Group in Kuva District

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

2. Innovation Group in Fergana District

   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. This system minimizes carbon emissions and reduces water consumption.

3. Innovation Group in Dangara District

   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. This work is being carried out under the leadership of the Institute of Microbiology at the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

4. Innovation Group in Dangara District (Drought-Tolerant Mung Bean)

   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.

5. Innovation Group in Besharik District (Aquaculture)

   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 valorize limited water resources through fish farming while enhancing their economic status.

Contact Information

• Otabek Eshmatov at otabek.eshamtov@undp.org