ICBA, Uzbekistan Agency Launch Farmers’ Accelerator to Strengthen Crop Value Chains in Karakalpakstan

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ICBA, Uzbekistan Agency Launch Farmers’ Accelerator to Strengthen Crop Value Chains in Karakalpakstan

The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) has signed a collaboration agreement with Uzbekistan’s Agency for Innovative Development under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation to launch the “Farmers’ and Agro-Entrepreneurs Accelerator for Developing and Commercializing Crop Value Chains” in Nukus, Karakalpakstan.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA, and Dr. Asror Norov, Acting Director of the Agency for Innovative Development, marking a significant step toward enhancing agricultural entrepreneurship and strengthening climate-resilient crop value chains in the region.

The three-month accelerator programme will be implemented with support from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development under the project titled “Development of Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems in Degraded Areas of Karakalpakstan.” The initiative aims to move beyond sustainable crop production by helping farmers and agro-entrepreneurs improve commercial readiness, expand market access, and create scalable business opportunities.

Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi said the programme reflects an advanced stage of ICBA’s work in Karakalpakstan, shifting focus from agricultural production support to enabling farmers and entrepreneurs to build practical pathways for value chain development and market integration.

“We aim to equip beneficiaries with the technical and business knowledge needed to transform climate-resilient crops into sustainable economic opportunities,” she said.

Alzaabi also highlighted the importance of the programme’s focus on women and youth, noting that strengthening local capacities while creating practical economic opportunities contributes to more resilient agricultural systems and rural development.

Dr. Asror Norov emphasized the significance of the partnership for the Aral Sea region, stating that it connects innovation with practical agricultural transformation. He noted that ICBA’s expertise in biosaline agriculture and sustainable farming practices will support the modernization of crop value chains from cultivation and production to processing and market delivery.

The accelerator is expected to reach 200 beneficiaries from Karakalpakstan, including farmers and agro-entrepreneurs, with a strong emphasis on encouraging participation from women and young people.

Participants will receive comprehensive support across several key areas, including technical training, post-harvest management, agro-processing, branding, business planning, and market access. The programme is designed to help beneficiaries increase the economic value of climate-resilient crops and convert agricultural production into scalable commercial ventures.

Through the initiative, ICBA continues to strengthen its role as a leading scientific and technical partner supporting sustainable agriculture, crop value chain development, and rural economic resilience in Uzbekistan and other regions facing environmental and agricultural challenges.