A special accelerator program is being launched in Karakalpakstan aimed at supporting farmers and agro-entrepreneurs, enhancing their knowledge and skills, and bringing agricultural products to market.
This initiative will be implemented within the framework of the project "Development of sustainable agricultural production systems in degraded areas of Karakalpakstan", funded by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD).
The program is being organized in cooperation with the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) in the United Arab Emirates and the Innovation Development Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Training sessions starting on August 3 will be held for one month at the Nukus Youth Technopark. Participants will gain practical knowledge on creating high-value-added products, modern business management, product commercialization, and entering new markets.
A total of 200 farmers and agro-entrepreneurs from Karakalpakstan are planned to be covered under the project.
Farmer support will be taken to a new level.
According to ICBA Director Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, this accelerator program was developed based on the experience and results achieved during projects implemented in Karakalpakstan.
"During the process of analyzing project outcomes, we saw the need to take farmer support to a new level. Through the program, participants will acquire modern knowledge and practical skills and have the opportunity to apply them effectively in their activities," she said.
According to her, the main goal of the program is to help farmers and agro-entrepreneurs become competitive entrepreneurs by providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills.
A value chain will be created based on the "Farm to Fork" approach
The ICBA head noted the importance of supporting farmers not only at the production stage but throughout the entire value chain.
"We strive to support farmers in all processes, from product cultivation to processing, marketing, and delivery to the consumer. This is the 'Farm to Fork' approach," said Tarifa Alzaabi.
According to her, within the framework of the program, farmers will be provided with knowledge on processes ranging from seed planting and soil preparation to product cultivation, processing, and finding sales markets.
Salt-tolerant crops create new opportunities.
Tarifa Alzaabi emphasized that growing climate-adapted and resilient crops is one of the important directions in the conditions of Karakalpakstan.
"In the context of the Aral Sea crisis and climate change, special attention must be paid to climate-resilient crops. We have introduced drought- and salt-tolerant crops to farmers in Karakalpakstan. This allows for efficient use of water and other natural resources," said the ICBA Director.
She noted that such crops not only increase agricultural efficiency but also create additional opportunities for the region's ecosystem.
At the conclusion of the accelerator program, special attention will be paid to issues of bringing the created products to market, their commercialization, and forming an additional value chain.
The organizers stated that this initiative will serve to develop innovative and sustainable agriculture in Karakalpakstan and increase the competitiveness of farmers and agro-entrepreneurs.
