Agreement between "ICBA" and the Innovative Development Agency of Uzbekistan to launch an agricultural accelerator program

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DUBAI, May 25 / WAM / The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) signed a cooperation agreement with the Innovative Development Agency of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, regarding the launch of the “Farmers and Agripreneurs Accelerator for Development and Marketing of Crop Value Chains” program in Nukus, Karakalpakstan Region.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Tarifa Al Zaabi, Director General of ICBA, and Dr. Asrour Norov, Acting Director of the Innovative Development Agency.

The program is being launched with support from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, within the project “Developing Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems in Degraded Areas of Karakalpakstan.”

The program represents a new practical step in the project’s path, by moving from supporting sustainable agricultural production to enabling farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs to develop value chains for crops, enhance their commercial readiness, and expand market access opportunities.

Dr. Tarifa Al Zaabi, Director General of ICBA, said: This agreement reflects an advanced stage of our work in Karakalpakstan, as we move from supporting sustainable agricultural production to enabling farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs to build practical paths to develop value chains and access markets. Through this program, we seek to provide beneficiaries with the knowledge and technical and business skills that enable them to transform crops that are able to adapt to climate challenges into viable economic opportunities.

She added: “We value our partnership with the Innovative Development Agency, and the continued support from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. The program’s focus on women and youth is particularly important, as it is part of an approach that links building local capabilities with developing practical economic opportunities for farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs, and building more resilient agricultural systems in Uzbekistan.”

Dr. Assur Norov, Acting Director of the Innovative Development Agency, said: “This cooperation is of particular importance for the Aral Sea region, as it links innovation with practical transformation in the agricultural sector. Through ICBA’s scientific and international expertise in the field of biosaline agriculture, the program will contribute to supporting the modernization of crop value chains in Karakalpakstan, from agriculture and production to manufacturing and delivery of products to markets. It will also help build an organized training and acceleration platform targeting farmers, young specialists and agro-entrepreneurs, supporting the expansion of crop value chains in Karakalpakstan. Applying innovative solutions in sustainable agriculture in the region.

The program extends over a period of three months, and aims to reach 200 beneficiaries from the Karakalpakstan region, including farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs, with a focus on the participation of women and youth.

The program provides an integrated model of support that includes technical training, post-harvest management, agricultural processing, brand building, business planning, and market access, which helps beneficiaries maximize the economic value of crops that are able to adapt to climate challenges, and transform agricultural production into viable opportunities for growth.

Through this agreement, the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) continues to consolidate its role as a scientific and technical partner in supporting sustainable agriculture, developing crop value chains, and enhancing rural economic resilience in Uzbekistan and beyond.