LocationsA fruitful trip to increase knowledge on farming in arid climates and the salinity of the soil
June 9, 2023
In the period May 31–June 3, a study tour of a group of Afghan women students studying at the Tashkent State Economic University under the Agribusiness TVET Programme took place in the North-Western regions of Uzbekistan. During the trip, the students get acquainted with the field conditions for the cultivation of cotton, wheat, melons, and other crops in an arid climate and the salinity of the soil.
In particular, the Afghan students visited Bukhara State University, where they got acquainted with the work of the Innovation Centre for Robotics and the laboratories of soil science, zoology, and crop production of the Faculty of Agronomy and Biotechnology in real-world conditions. Of particular interest to the students was the Agrocluster "Bukhoro Varnet" created in the Romitan district, where the production of bananas, strawberries, papayas, more than 45 varieties of tomatoes, and other unique crops that had not previously been cultivated in the desert was mastered under protected ground conditions. During the visit to the agrocluster, a master class was held on new agricultural technologies, including the work of the InVitro laboratory, microclimates, hydroponics, and aquaponics systems.
In the Khorezm region, a master class was held at the Shovot-Textile Agrocluster, where the students saw the entire cycle of textile production, from planting cotton to fibre processing, yarn production, and sewing ready-made clothes.
The study tour ended with a visit to the UNDP Regional Office in Nukus, where the project staff spoke about the results of their activities, which are aimed at improving the living conditions of the inhabitants of Karakalpakstan and supporting vulnerable populations in the Aral Sea region, especially women, as well as the possibilities of introducing new agricultural technologies to increase crop yields while addressing lack of water, degradation, and increased salinity of soils.
In addition, during the trip, Afghan students participated in the Sahro Sadosi Friendship Festival in the Ellikkala district, visited historical and cultural sites in Bukhara, Khiva, Buston, Nukus, and Samarkand, and learned important aspects of the history of Uzbekistan.
This fruitful study tour was organised as part of the Regional Project "Phase 2: Supporting the Economic Empowerment of Afghan Women through Education and Training in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan," funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP. According to the participants of the trip, the knowledge gained is a solid basis for the TVET Programme, which provides for priority training in direct field conditions.
