Uzbekistan to boost seed production and agricultural education

$200M investment to modernize agriculture, enhance seed production, and train specialists

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (MNTV) – Uzbekistan is set to establish a state-of-the-art seed and seedling production facility in the Yukorichirchik district, drawing inspiration from China’s expertise in the field, as part of its drive to modernize agriculture.

With a $200 million investment, the project will focus on developing improved varieties of key crops such as cotton, wheat, rice, corn, grapes, and fruits. 

The initiative will incorporate advanced agricultural technologies, including modern equipment and drones, to boost efficiency and productivity.

Despite having 14 agricultural research institutes and 55 seed farms, Uzbekistan has faced challenges in creating new crop varieties, resulting in heavy reliance on imported seeds. 

This new facility aims to address this issue by strengthening domestic seed production and improving crop yields.

A significant hurdle in Uzbekistan’s agricultural sector has been the shortage of skilled specialists. 

In response, the government is expanding educational partnerships with Italy, a leader in agricultural training. 

This year, 200 Uzbek students will study at prestigious Italian universities, including Bologna, Tuscia, Ferrara, and Pisa. In addition, 30 food technologists will receive training at Tuscia University through grant-based programs.

Plans are also in place to introduce local agricultural training programs across Uzbekistan to further develop expertise within the country.

To increase international exposure, Uzbekistan is enhancing study-and-work opportunities. 

Students from the Samarkand Agrarian Institute and the International Agricultural University have already participated in exchange programs in Germany and the UK. 

Japanese language centers have been established at several agricultural universities to prepare students for specialized training in Japan.

Uzbekistan is also expanding international cooperation with countries known for their advanced agro-industrial sectors, such as Hungary, the Netherlands, Canada, Australia, and South Korea. 

The Ministry of Agriculture has been tasked with creating a national program to accelerate innovation and introduce cutting-edge agricultural technologies throughout the country.