The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced the launch of the Fertilizer Development Fund to increase fertilizer production and sales in Uzbekistan. The fund will support agribusinesses and help keep food affordable. Through the fund, selected private fertilizer production companies will receive new technologies and customized training worth up to UZS 4bn per company. USAID is seeking concept papers from interested companies.
“Worldwide fertilizer prices have nearly doubled since the start of the pandemic, which has driven increases in the cost of food. When farmers have affordable, high-quality fertilizer, food costs less, farmers produce more, and the agriculture sector grows,” said USAID Mission Director in Uzbekistan Mikaela Meredith. “USAID is committed to helping agribusinesses use new technology to increase fertilizer production and quality and teach farmers how to use fertilizer more efficiently.”
Earlier this year, USAID announced $2mn in new commitments to keep food affordable by supporting Uzbekistan’s farmers and fertilizer producers. Approximately half of that amount will be allocated to the Fertilizer Development Fund. The funding is part of the $2.76bn committed by President Biden to address global food security during the G7 Leaders’ Summit in June of 2022.
USAID supports Uzbekistan’s ongoing efforts to combat food insecurity and advance President Mirziyoyev’s goal of making Uzbekistan self-sufficient by supporting Uzbekistan’s ability to ensure its food security.
USAID will provide technical assistance to and co-finance investments in new technologies for fertilizer producers in Uzbekistan to increase production, improve quality, and boost domestic and regional market shares from sales of fertilizers. USAID will also organize training for 5,000 farmers and extension agents on best practices for fertilizer use.
The fund seeks concept papers of up to UZS 4bn to improve and increase fertilizer production and sales. Concept papers focusing on the enhanced and increased output of granular, soluble, and liquid NPK fertilizers are of particular interest. In addition, organic fertilizer production concepts are also welcome. The deadline for the submission of applications is December 1, 2022. The announcement and concept paper template is available for download here.
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