News
National Seminar on Green Agriculture in Uzbekistan
Agri-food systems in Europe and Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, face serious challenges such as climate change, deforestation, ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss and geopolitical instability. These factors disrupt food supply chains and pose threats to food security, highlighting the need to transform agri-food systems into more efficient, inclusive, sustainable and environmentally friendly models. The transition to green agriculture is key to mitigating climate change, increasing productivity and ensuring long-term food security, as well as overcoming environmental and socio-economic risks.
FAO is actively contributing to these efforts by launching the Regional Technical Platform on Green Agriculture in May 2022. This platform promotes knowledge sharing and collaboration in various technical areas related to sustainable agricultural practices. This initiative was followed by the launch of the regional project “Scaling up Green Agriculture in Europe and Central Asia” in 2023. It aims to enhance the region’s capacity as well as coordinate scientific research in the field of green agriculture. The project also promotes intra- and inter-regional cooperation using digital tools to maximize the potential of green agricultural practices.
The Regional Technical Platform has become a central hub for knowledge sharing and networking among expert communities, supporting the transition to sustainable agriculture and food systems in Europe and Central Asia. Green policies based on science and cross-sectoral coordination play an important role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices, increasing resource use efficiency and improving policy coherence. Developing sustainable agri-food systems is key to ensuring food security and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The National Workshop on Green Agriculture, held in Tashkent, aimed to introduce green agriculture as an interdisciplinary approach that supports Uzbekistan’s green economy strategy. The workshop also focused on assessing the country’s needs for capacity development in green agriculture and identifying next steps for the transition to sustainable practices. One of the main objectives of the workshop was to establish a National Technical Network.
During the workshop, participants reviewed national green policies, incorporating best practices and experiences from neighboring countries. An agreement was reached to establish a National Technical Network that will facilitate the promotion and development of green agriculture in Uzbekistan. This network will pool ideas and experiences accumulated through the Regional Technical Platform, taking into account lessons learned in the Europe and Central Asia region.
The event brought together representatives from FAO, government agencies, NGOs, private companies, universities and industry associations. Key stakeholders also included the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, and other relevant institutions.
The Regional Technical Platform on Green Agriculture, launched by FAO, continues to serve as a digital hub for interregional knowledge sharing, advancing the sustainable agriculture development agenda. Leveraging the platform’s digital potential, FAO helps to address technical capacity gaps, advance research, and develop resilient networks that support agricultural transformation in the region.
Jahongir Babajanov, National Policy Expert, noted:
“The national workshop in Uzbekistan builds on regional efforts and adapts the platform’s achievements to local realities. Uzbekistan’s agricultural sector faces serious challenges related to climate change and environmental degradation. Adoption of green agricultural practices is essential to ensure long-term sustainability. This workshop highlights the importance of coherent green policies, collaboration, and innovative solutions to strengthen Uzbekistan’s agrifood systems, which will contribute to both food security and environmental sustainability.”
