UNDP assists Uzbekistan in increasing climate resilience of agriculture and livestock farms located in the regions most affected by drought, particularly in the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

During 13-17 May2019 the "Open Farmer's Day" was held in Chimbay, Kanlykul, Kegeyli, Takhtakupir and Muynak districts of Karakalpakstan initiated within the framework of the UNDP "Developing climate resilience of farming communities in the Drought prone parts of Uzbekistan" project implemented jointly with the Center for Hydrometeorological Service (Uzhydromet) and funded by the Adaptation Fund.

The initiative served as a dialogue platform giving an opportunity for the decision-makers, representatives of hokimiyats, local governments, farmers and dekhkans to discuss the most relevant issues of climate-resilient agriculture. Besides, the participants attended a field workshop on “Climate change and adaptation measures at the landscape level” within the event. Representatives of the local authorities, farms and dekhkan farms, and members of cooperatives were invited to take part at the field based workshop.

This year, UNDP provided 2 sets of laser land levelling equipment, zero tillage planter and a tractors to our district. A practical workshop on effective use of equipment and technologies provided is being held in the  “Mulk Jaylau” cooperative. In the near future, it is envisioned to introduce these technologies to all farms in our district. In total, three cooperatives are established in our district to provide quality services to the population, improve the feed base and provide efficient pasture use, - says Quvvatboy Darboev, Deputy Hakim (Mayor) for Investment Issues, Tahtakupir District.

Within the 7 sessions of the workshop participants exchanged their views and experiences on the climate-resilient agriculture, including introduction of measures for rational land use, resource-saving and climate-resilient agro-technologies. The organizers demonstrated innovative methods of growing and protecting plants and increasing pasture productivity. A separate session was focused on pasture restoration and the creation of basic nurseries. In addition, the use of bioactive substances (humates) to ensure plant resistance to dry conditions was introduced.

For the first time in Karakalpakstan, within the framework of the project, the pasture rehabilitation practices have been tested through establishing cooperative communities as an adaptation measure to climate change at the landscape level. In 2018, 10 cooperatives were established in 5 pilot districts. The established pasture communities with an associated pasture management principle brings together 47,830 representatives of local livestock farms. 33,280 hectares of pasture land is allocated for the use of cooperatives for a period of 30 years.

As a result of 5 workshops, over 500 farmers, dekhkans, representatives of households and pasture cooperatives from the project pilot districts improved their skills in the application of agro-and water saving technologies, as well as enhanced knowledge on maintaining the required level of agricultural production in arid climatic conditions of the northern regions of Karakalpakstan.