The International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) has signed a collaboration agreement with the Agency for Innovative Development under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan to launch a new accelerator program in Nukus, Karakalpakstan.
The program, titled ‘Farmers’ and Agro-Entrepreneurs Accelerator for Developing and Commercializing Crop Value Chains,’ will support farmers and agro-entrepreneurs in developing crop value chains and improving market access.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director-General of ICBA, and Dr. Asror Norov, Acting Director of the Agency for Innovative Development.
The project will be implemented with the support of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development under the project ‘Development of Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems in Degraded Areas of Karakalpakstan.’
The initiative supports sustainable agricultural production for farmers and agro-entrepreneurs in developing crop value chains, improving commercial readiness, and expanding market access.
Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director-General ICBA
“This program equips beneficiaries with the technical and business knowledge and skills needed to turn climate-resilient crops into scalable economic opportunities. We value our partnership with the Agency for Innovative Development and the continued support of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. The program’s focus on women and youth is particularly important as part of an approach that links local capacity-building with practical economic opportunities for farmers and agro-entrepreneurs, while contributing to more resilient agricultural systems in Uzbekistan.”
Dr. Asror Norov, Acting Director of the Agency for Innovative Development, noted that the cooperation is important for the Aral Sea region as it connects innovation with agricultural development.
Norov highlighted that the program will benefit from ICBA’s scientific expertise and international experience in biosaline agriculture to support the modernization of crop value chains in Karakalpakstan, covering cultivation, production, processing, and market delivery.
Dr. Norov added that the project will also create a structured training and acceleration platform for farmers, young specialists, and agri-entrepreneurs, while supporting the wider application of green innovations in the region.
The three-month program supports 200 beneficiaries from Karakalpakstan, including farmers and agro-entrepreneurs, with a focus on women and youth participation.
It will provide integrated support in areas including technical training, post-harvest management, agro-processing, branding, business planning, and market access.
