Uzbekistan plans to establish a seed and seedling production facility at the Agro Services Center in Yukorichirchik district, modeled on China's experience, presidential press service reported.
A $200mn investment will be allocated to cultivate improved varieties of cotton, wheat, rice, corn, grapes, and fruits, with modern equipment and drones supporting the entire agricultural process.
This initiative is part of broader agricultural reforms aimed at increasing efficiency and introducing advanced agro-technologies. Despite having 14 agricultural research institutes and 55 seed farms, Uzbekistan has struggled to develop new crop varieties and modernize its agronomic techniques, leading many farmers to rely on foreign seeds. The new facility is expected to bridge this gap by enhancing domestic seed production and improving overall yields.
In addition to boosting seed production, Uzbekistan is addressing a critical challenge in the sector: the shortage of qualified specialists. To strengthen human capital, the country is expanding educational cooperation with Italy, a global leader in agricultural education.
This year, 200 Uzbek students will be sent to study at the universities of Bologna, Tuscia, Ferrara, and Pisa. Additionally, 30 food technologists will receive grant-based training at Tuscia University, and plans are underway to establish agricultural training programs within Uzbekistan.
International study-and-work programs are also being prioritized. In 2024, students from the Samarkand Agrarian Institute and the International Agricultural University participated in exchange programs in Germany and the UK. Meanwhile, Japanese language centers have been set up at Tashkent State Agrarian University, International Agricultural University, and the Fergana Food Institute to prepare students for agricultural training programs in Japan.
Recognizing the importance of global partnerships, Uzbekistan plans to expand cooperation with countries known for their advanced agro-industrial sectors, including Hungary, the Netherlands, Canada, Australia, and South Korea.
The Ministry of Agriculture has been tasked with developing a national program to accelerate innovation and introduce cutting-edge agricultural technologies across the country.
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