Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) inaugurated the Agricultural Production Systems Development Project in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan, during a high-level field visit to the project sites. The initiative, titled 'Development of Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems in Degraded Areas of Karakalpakstan,' is spearheaded by ADFD in collaboration with Uzbekistan's Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, Ministry of Agriculture, the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), the International Innovation Center for the Aral Sea Basin (IICAS), and the Karakalpakstan Agricultural Research Institute (KARI).
According to Emirates News Agency, the visit was organized to review progress and assess advancements achieved under this joint initiative aimed at restoring agricultural productivity and strengthening resilience in arid and saline environments of the Aral Sea region. The announcement was made during an official ceremony attended by key figures, including Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, and Orinbayev Amanbay Tieubayevich, Chairman of the Jokargy Kenes of the Republic of Karakalpakstan.
Launched in 2022, with a total investment of AED18.7 million (US$5 million) from ADFD, this landmark project is set to transform the agricultural landscape of Karakalpakstan. It introduces integrated agricultural systems to raise productivity, support local communities, and address the challenges of drought, desertification, and land degradation caused by the Aral Sea crisis.
The project focuses on introducing drought-, heat-, and salt-tolerant crops, applying advanced water and soil management systems, and developing innovative agricultural models to enhance food security and support sustainable livelihoods. It also involves testing more than 20 resilient crop types under extreme climatic conditions across three model sites.
Additionally, the project includes the development of modern irrigation and drainage infrastructure, cost-effective greenhouses, seed propagation units, and an integrated agri-aquaculture system that combines salt-tolerant crops with fish production to maximise resource efficiency. A core component of the project is capacity building, with training provided for nearly 2,000 specialists and farmers on advanced practices and technology to ensure optimal results and long-term sustainability for this vital sector.
Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi highlighted the project's alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and ADFD's strategic approach to implementing innovative solutions, fostering impactful partnerships, and enabling knowledge exchange between nations. He emphasized the initiative's contribution to broader economic resilience and alignment with Uzbekistan's national development agenda.
Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director-General of ICBA, expressed pride in the partnership with ADFD, noting the project's success in transforming challenges into opportunities and establishing a model for strategic investment. The collaboration has enabled testing crops tolerant to salinity and drought and developing an integrated system that combines vegetable, algae cultivation, and aquaculture.
Xabibullaev Baxitjan Sagidullaevich, Director of IICAS, noted that the project symbolizes confidence, cooperation, and solidarity. He highlighted the project's achievements, including experimental fields, salt-tolerant crops, technologies benefiting farmers, and recognition with the Energy Globe Award 2024. A new pilot on Integrated Agri-Aquaculture Systems is now being launched.
This project represents a major milestone for Karakalpakstan, transitioning the region from environmental degradation to sustainable agriculture through improved soil quality, optimized water utilization, and new livelihoods. It offers a forward-looking model that balances human needs with environmental sustainability, laying the foundation for a more resilient and prosperous future for generations to come.
As the international community seeks scalable pathways to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, this initiative stands out as a practical model of triangular South-South cooperation.