Abu dhabi: The International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), with the support of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and in collaboration with the Agency for Innovative Development under Uzbekistan's Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, has launched the Farmers' and Agro-Entrepreneurs Accelerator in Nukus. The program, which spans one month, is part of the ADFD-funded project aimed at developing sustainable agricultural production systems in degraded areas of Karakalpakstan.
According to Emirates News Agency, the accelerator is being hosted at the Youth Technopark in Nukus and will benefit 200 farmers and agro-entrepreneurs. The initiative focuses on developing value-added products and enhancing agribusiness management and market access skills, with a specific emphasis on including women and young people in the program.
Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, highlighted the program's objective to empower local communities and boost sustainable economic growth. He emphasized the collaboration's importance, noting that it combines development finance, scientific expertise, and local knowledge to support the agricultural sector in Karakalpakstan.
Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA, stated that the program represents progress in translating agricultural advances into economic opportunities. She noted that ICBA's scientific expertise would equip participants with the skills to create high-quality products that adhere to market demands, thereby enhancing their competitiveness and supporting a climate-resilient agricultural sector in the region.
Dr. Asror Norov, Acting Director of the Agency for Innovative Development, added that the program offers a practical path by merging scientific knowledge with local experience and market needs. It aims to improve participants' business management and marketing capabilities while fostering stronger connections within agricultural value chains.
The accelerator includes 16 training modules over four weeks, covering various aspects such as product and value chain development, post-harvest management, agro-processing, food safety, quality standards, and market access. This comprehensive approach is designed to help participants transform primary agricultural commodities into market-ready products.
The program is an extension of the ADFD-funded project, which has promoted the adoption of crops suited to challenging environments, such as sorghum and millet, while advancing sustainable practices in crop, soil, and water management. The success of the accelerator will be evaluated based on participant engagement, product quality, market readiness, and potential value generation within the agricultural value chain.