Minister of Agriculture of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjaev, as the Chairperson of FAO Regional Conference for Europe (ERC), met with Vladimir Rakhmanin, FAO Assistant Director-General, and Viorel Gutu, Sub-Regional Coordinator for Central Asia and FAO Representative in Uzbekistan.

FAO-Uzbekistan Country Programming Framework for 2021-2025 was signed with a budget of USD 17 million, and 4 grant projects were approved worth USD 645,000.

The Country Programming Framework (CPF) for 2021-2025 sets out priority areas to support the government of Uzbekistan in achieving national strategic aims of agricultural and food systems transformation. First is the human capital development, inclusive growth Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being. The second strategic priority area focuses on sustainable development and climate change.

4 projects aimed at the development of agriculture of Uzbekistan will be implemented during 2021-2023.

“Strengthening sustainable food systems through geographical indications” project (February 2021 - December 2022) worth USD 250,000 aims to promote rural development in Uzbekistan through geographical indications (linking the product name to its geographical origin: Parmigiano-Reggiano, Bavarian sausage, etc.) to help producers define marketing strategies, raise awareness and improve engagement skills.

“Recovery and development of the potato sector in response to COVID-19”  (February 2021 - January 2023) with a budget of USD 195,000aims to ensure food security in Uzbekistan by developing the potato industry.

“Rice Crop Production and Management Support” project (February 2021 - September 2022) with a budget of USD100,000focuses on ensuring food security and improving living conditions of farmers involved in rice growing.

“Support in implementation of inclusive agricultural policies” project (February 2021 - August 2022) worth USD100,000 aims to improve living conditions and welfare in rural areas through inclusive agricultural policy, as well as increasing the attractiveness of rural areas and empowerment of rural women.

FAO Assistant Director-General Vladimir Rakhmanin reported on the implementation of agenda tasks of the ERCunder the chairmanship of Uzbekistan and plans by the end of 2021. He also asked on behalf of the member states of Europe to discuss sustainable development and food security during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as strengthening cooperation within the new five-year EU program in agriculture with Wolfgang Burtscher, Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate for Agriculture and Rural Development.

Source: Ministry of Agriculture Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan