In the heart of Uzbekistan's Fergana Valley, a quiet village is making strides towards a digital future in agriculture, thanks to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and its groundbreaking Digital Villages Initiative. Shaodatkhon Oripova, a 62-year-old farmer, is among those leading the charge, transforming her traditional greenhouse into a high-tech hub for efficient and sustainable farming practices, FAO reported.
Gone are the days when Shaodatkhon struggled with soaring utility bills and unpredictable fertilization costs. Her greenhouse is now equipped with digital sensors connected to the internet, allowing her to monitor and control crucial parameters such as temperature, humidity, light, and soil moisture. Through her mobile phone, she receives real-time alerts, enabling her to make immediate adjustments and ensure optimal growing conditions.
Shaodatkhon's success story is part of the Smart Farming for the Future Generations project initiated by FAO. This project, closely aligned with the Digital Villages Initiative, aims to transform at least 1,000 villages worldwide into digital hubs, fostering rural development and empowering communities through digitalization.
The initiative not only benefits farmers but also extends its impact to the younger generation. FAO provides training programs, including coding camps, to empower local youth to replicate smart sensor devices. In November 2023, a Digital Villages Hackathon showcased innovative agritech solutions developed by these young minds to address the challenges faced by rural communities in the Fergana Valley.
Collaborative innovation workshops, known as "living labs," provide a crucial platform for exchange among farmers, experts, and innovators. Shaodatkhon and her family actively participate, discussing challenges such as heating greenhouses during harsh winters. FAO works closely with local communities to identify pressing issues, tailor solutions, and support their digital transformation journeys.
As technology evolves, Shaodatkhon eagerly anticipates further innovations in areas such as smart irrigation and renewable energy solutions for her greenhouse. FAO is committed to scaling up the Digital Villages Initiative, not only in Central Asia but also globally. By understanding the unique challenges faced by rural communities and identifying suitable agricultural technologies, FAO aims to drive sustainable development and bridge the digital divide in the agricultural sector.
Earlier, Daryo reported on the successful completion of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) project titled "Preparing the grounds for the digital transformation of agriculture" in Uzbekistan. This marks a significant milestone in the country's journey towards agricultural innovation and digitalization. The final workshop, held in Tashkent, brought together national and international stakeholders to share insights and recommendations gathered from the initiative.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan, FAO implemented this technical cooperation project with the goal of overcoming challenges that hinder innovation and digitalization in the agri-food sector. The initiative primarily focused on fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among various stakeholders in the Fergana Valley, involving farmers, agribusiness entrepreneurs, and agricultural advisory services at both national and decentralized levels.
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