ICBA chief Tarifa Alzaabi receives Uzbekistan's 'Leader of Innovative Ideas' award
Dr Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), has received Uzbekistan's “Leader of Innovative Ideas” honorary badge at InnoWeek 2026 in Tashkent.
The recognition was presented by Uzbekistan's Agency for Innovative Development and the Central Council of the Youth Union. It honours contributions to the development and practical application of innovative ideas and technologies. The badge, established through a resolution of the country's Cabinet of Ministers, was awarded to a recipient from outside Uzbekistan for the first time.
The award recognises ICBA's work with local partners to turn agricultural research into practical solutions, particularly in areas affected by land degradation and challenging growing conditions.
Supporting sustainable agriculture in Uzbekistan
ICBA's work in the country includes the Farmers' and Agro-Entrepreneurs Accelerator, implemented with support from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and in partnership with the Agency for Innovative Development under Uzbekistan's Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.
The programme is part of an ADFD-funded project titled “Development of Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems in Degraded Areas of Karakalpakstan”. It combines research and field-based initiatives to develop crops and agricultural products suited to local conditions.
Alzaabi said the recognition reflected the efforts of ICBA's team and its partners in Uzbekistan, as well as ADFD's support in connecting scientific research with local development priorities.
She added that ICBA's work extends beyond developing crops and production systems suited to arid and saline environments to equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to sustain agricultural production and improve livelihoods.
Programme graduates 207 farmers and entrepreneurs
The latest accelerator cohort included 207 farmers and agro-entrepreneurs, of whom 122 were women, representing approximately 59 per cent of graduates.
Delivered over four weeks, the programme featured 16 training modules covering agricultural processing, product quality, packaging, business planning and market access.
At the graduation ceremony held at Nukus Youth Technopark, participants presented 25 innovative concepts, including food and animal feed products and soil amendments developed using crops introduced by ICBA.
The creators of 10 outstanding concepts received recognition, with the ideas offering a foundation for local businesses based on climate-resilient crops.
Alzaabi said the programme brings together development finance, research expertise and local knowledge. Participants are turning crops into market-oriented products, creating income opportunities and encouraging greater participation by women and young people in agriculture.
Recognition of Emirati women's leadership
The award also highlights the contribution of Emirati women to research institutions and international scientific cooperation.
Alzaabi noted that opportunities in education, professional development and leadership in the UAE had helped Emirati women apply their expertise to community development and global challenges.
