Environment

 The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) has demonstrated significant progress in its multi-year agricultural project aimed at revitalizing degraded and saline lands in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan. This landmark initiative, funded by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), was showcased during a ceremony attended by Uzbekistan’s President, H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, highlighting the project's focus on science, innovation, and women empowerment in agriculture.

The project, titled "Development of Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems in Degraded Areas of Karakalpakstan," is a collaboration between ICBA, ADFD, the International Innovation Center for the Aral Sea Basin (IICAS), and various Uzbek ministries. It aims to enhance agricultural productivity, promote food security, and address environmental challenges such as soil salinization in the region, which has been severely impacted by the shrinking of the Aral Sea.

H.E. Aziz Abdukhakimov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, emphasized the project's significance, stating, "This initiative not only boosts agricultural productivity and food security but also fosters long-term sustainability and economic development by creating jobs and supporting local communities."

Since its launch in 2022, the project has introduced 25 genotypes of food and fodder crops at demonstration sites, improved irrigation infrastructure, and trained over 200 local scientists, extension workers, and farmers in sustainable agricultural practices. These efforts have shown promising results, contributing to the overall resilience and growth of the region’s agricultural sector.

Dr. Tarifa Al Zaabi, Director General of ICBA, underscored the project's impact, noting, "This project exemplifies the collaborative efforts between ICBA, ADFD, and our partners in Uzbekistan. We are dedicated to driving sustainable agricultural solutions that transform local communities and address the pressing environmental challenges of the region."

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