Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 3 March, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on the development of international cooperation in the agricultural sector.

Uzbekistan continues to implement large-scale reforms in its agro-industrial sector aimed at increasing efficiency and integrating market mechanisms. The country is actively adopting advanced agricultural technologies and modern scientific achievements.

Recently, a group of Uzbek specialists visited China, Italy, and Japan to study the experience of leading research institutes, major agribusinesses, and farming enterprises. Based on the knowledge gained, new partnership plans have been developed.

One of the key factors in improving crop yields is high-quality seed production. The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences has extensive experience in plant breeding and nursery development. While Uzbekistan is home to 14 research institutes and 55 seed production farms, significant gaps remain in the development of new crop varieties and the application of advanced agricultural technologies. Due to the insufficient effectiveness of local seeds, many farmers prefer imported varieties.

To address this issue, Uzbekistan plans to establish a modern seed production and nursery system based on Chinese expertise at the Agro-Service Center in the Yukorichirchik district. The project will attract US$200 million in investments. The country will begin producing new varieties of cotton, wheat, rice, corn, grapes, and fruit crops. A model agricultural zone will be created, covering the entire cultivation cycle—from seedling production and planting to plant protection, harvesting, and processing using modern equipment and drones.

Another crucial focus is the training of qualified personnel, where Italy’s experience is of particular interest. The University of Bologna plays a key role in training agricultural specialists across Europe. Italian research institutions actively collaborate with businesses, developing and commercializing high-yield crop varieties.

This year, 200 young specialists will be sent to study advanced methodologies at the universities of Bologna, Tuscia, Ferrara, and Pisa. The University of Tuscia has expressed its willingness to provide annual scholarships for 30 specialists in food technology and assist in training personnel directly in Uzbekistan.

Globally, programs that combine education with practical experience have proven successful. Last year, Samarkand Agricultural Institute and the International Agriculture University sent a group of students for internships in Germany and the United Kingdom. In Uzbekistan, centers for Japanese language studies are being established at Tashkent State Agrarian University, the International Agriculture University, and the Fergana Institute of Food Industry to prepare students for internships in Japan.

The president supported these initiatives and emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation with countries that have well-developed agro-industrial sectors, including Hungary, the Netherlands, Canada, Australia, and South Korea. The Ministry of Agriculture has been tasked with developing a program to increase the number of innovative projects across the regions.