Seminar on the development of innovation groups

August 19, 2022
Photo: UNDP Uzbekistan

On August 19–20, 2022, Tashkent hosts a joint training session of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan “Supporting inclusive transition to a green economy in the agri-food sector and development of a “climate-smart” Uzbek agriculture knowledge and innovation system” (“EU -AGRIN") funded by the European Union.

The main objective of this event is to help strengthen the activities of 13 innovation groups formed in the Tashkent, Fergana, and Kashkadarya regions, via building their capacities in project design based on scientific research and funding tools.

Photo: UNDP Uzbekistan

The seminar is attended by representatives of agricultural research institutes and their regional scientific and experimental stations, Agro Service Centers of the Fergana, Kashkadarya and Tashkent regions of the National Center for Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation, secondary specialized educational institutions specializing in agriculture and farming.

According to UNDP National Project Coordinator Ulugbek Islamov, the main goal of innovation groups is to increase the use of opportunities in agriculture and address existing problems through mutual integration of science, research, service system and production.

Photo: UNDP Uzbekistan

It is worth mentioning that the “Innovation Groups” develop and implement innovative projects with a scientific and practical solution aimed at adapting to climate change in agriculture and mitigating its negative impacts. This group may include representatives of farms, dekhkan farms, agribusiness, researchers, entrepreneurs and representatives of organizations. They develop and implement projects with innovative solutions and approaches aimed at addressing various problems and shortcomings through collective research.

The event also featured presentations on the implementation of international standards in food production, topical issues of adaptation to climate change in agriculture. In particular, experts will make presentations on the effective use of agricultural land based on satellite data.

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“Innovation groups” were briefed about the criteria and conditions for receiving grant funds provided by the EU-AGRIN project.

The event will be followed by practical exercises on the development of a project document for grant funds by representatives of 13 innovation groups. Each group will develop a project document, reflecting the measures to be implemented in their focus area and the innovative ideas to be put into practice.

Photo: UNDP Uzbekistan

At the end of the event, the participants will discuss the presentation of projects developed by 13 innovation groups. Insights, additional proposals and recommendations will be offered to overcome obstacles, problems and shortcomings that may arise during the implementation of each project.