Uzbekistan focuses on the diversification of agricultural production through rice production to improve the country’s food security, as well as to generate income and improve living conditions in rural areas.

An introductory workshop was held on the project of FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan for supporting production and management of rice crops. The event was attended by national and international experts who spoke about the essence of the project, its goals and objectives.

The implementation of the FAO project is aimed at supporting the priority directions of the Strategy for the Development of Agriculture in Uzbekistan for 2020-2030 for the production of competitive agricultural products with high added value. The project is aimed at developing the country's rice growing sector, improving the value chain and, consequently, processing more of its own rice for domestic consumption, as well as promoting exports.

In addition, this project will contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, in particular, the elimination of hunger, ensuring food security and improving nutrition, promoting sustainable agricultural development, as well as the goal of gender equality, through the empowerment of women farmers and youth in agriculture.

UzA