Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  With financial and technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), two women farmers in Uzbekistan have successfully launched their greenhouse businesses.

The initial investments provided by FAO enabled them to cover all expenses in the first season and generate stable incomes. This success was made possible through the introduction of modern farming methods, effective post-harvest practices, and improved market access. The project highlights the potential for smart and sustainable agriculture in Uzbekistan, strengthening the country’s agricultural capabilities and improving the quality of life in rural areas.

The newly built 100-square-meter greenhouses, located in the Andijan and Namangan regions, were entrusted to two small-scale women farmers, Mahsudakhon Bakhramova and Gulchehra Makhmudova.

These women were selected for their commitment to improving local agricultural practices and their rich experience in seedling production. They underwent specialized FAO training on advanced agricultural techniques, seedling production, and grafting methods, ensuring efficient and sustainable vegetable seedling cultivation.

The greenhouses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including high-quality covering materials, insect nets, shading nets, heating systems, thermal blankets for temperature control, and sprinkler irrigation systems for optimal microclimate management. Double doors in sanitation zones provide added protection against pests and diseases. These innovations offer significant advantages, such as enhanced crop protection, efficient temperature management, and reduced disease risks, ensuring the growth of healthy and high-quality seedlings.

“I have high hopes for this greenhouse. I’m thrilled to grow seedlings and use the income to improve our living conditions,” said Mahsudakhon Bakhramova. “My husband is a person with disabilities, and I’m grateful that this greenhouse will give him an opportunity to contribute. I deeply thank the UN and FAO for their long-term support.”

For the winter season of 2024–2025, FAO supplied all necessary resources—tables, seedling trays, and high-quality seeds of selected vegetable varieties—to help households start production. These seed varieties were chosen for their adaptability to local climatic conditions, resistance to pests and diseases, and high market appeal, ensuring a stable income for the farmers. By focusing on sustainable and market-driven crops, the project aims to support cost-effective seedling production that meets local demand.

The seedlings grown in these greenhouses will be distributed to 60 small farms in the Fergana, Andijan, and Namangan regions, who are also beneficiaries of the FAO project. This partnership ensures that seedling prices remain below market rates for local farmers, fostering long-term sustainability of the initiative. The program not only provides farmers with access to affordable, high-quality seedlings but also guarantees the project’s viability after FAO’s direct involvement concludes.

“This seedling greenhouse is the realization of my dream,” shared Gulchehra Makhmudova. “In the past, we had to sell our cows to buy seedlings, which caused significant financial strain on our family. Now, with this greenhouse, we can grow our own seedlings and keep our livestock as an additional income source. I’m excited to cultivate tomato and cucumber seedlings and use the earnings to pursue my long-time dream of growing flower seedlings.”

FAO’s initial resources will enable Mahsudakhon and Gulchehra to cover their expenses in the first season and secure steady income streams, laying the foundation for further production and business expansion. The project promotes smart and sustainable production, efficient post-harvest practices, and improved market access for greenhouse vegetables, contributing to Uzbekistan’s national agricultural potential and the added value of small-scale farming, producing safe and nutritious food.