Your Excellencies Minister Jamshid Khodjaev and Ambassador Charlotte Adrian, Dear Government representatives, Ladies and Gentlemen!

Welcome to the official signing event of the Project Supporting an inclusive transition to a “green” economy in the Agri-food sector and development of a “climate-smart” Uzbek Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation System

This project is funded by EU and aims to contribute to an inclusive transition to a green economy in the Uzbekistan food and agriculture sector.

UNDP is privileged to be entrusted with its implementation, we highly appreciate the financial support of the EU and the trust of the Ministry in our ability to implement for its best effect.

Impression on reforms in Agriculture sector of Uzbekistan

Agriculture is the core sector of Uzbek economy. It continues to provide significant employment opportunities and incomes for many people and families, and remains a driving force of the economy’s growth.

The population growth, land and water resources shortage, increased energy demand and climate change complicate the situation related to the food security.

The scope and depth of ongoing reforms in agricultural sector, under the leadership of the Ministry, are impressive. The challenging and ambitious agricultural development objectives towards 2030 set out by the Government are only to be supported.

But concerted efforts of all partners, the government and the international community, is needed to implement the Agriculture Strategy and ensure the country’s future prosperity.

Climate change and Agriculture

Agriculture is one of the most sensitive sectors to climate change, dependent as it is on soil characteristics, weather patterns and biodiversity.

At the same time, agriculture is essential to addressing the climate change. This came clear during the recent COP26 – that the nature and land use are essential to meeting the Paris Agreement goals.

Therefore, action and investment are needed to protect nature and shift to more sustainable agricultural practices.

But also - unlocking of agriculture's ability is critical to solve the climate change problem, at least a portion of it.

Uzbekistan’s transition to Green Economy

This project becomes part of a broader UNDP’s engagement on green transition and climate actions. Together with other development actors, we already support the Gov’t on development of Strategic Framework to operationalize the Strategy for Transition to Green Economy.

UN Food Systems Summit

We also supported Uzbekistan in its participation at the recent UN Food Systems Summit. For example, the National/sub-national Food Systems Summit Dialogues, led by the Ministry, resulted in development of National Pathway for Food Systems Transformation – a clear vision of what government, together with different stakeholders, can deliver by 2030.

UAKIS Project

Within this background, the Project is very timely support to the efforts move the ambitious agricultural reform. It is aligned with the Govt priorities and the National Pathway.

In general, it will assist an inclusive transition to a “green” food and agriculture sector, and is of complex nature and will deal with a wide range of issues.

In particular, the project will create an environment for better integration of research, knowledge and practices in agriculture by involving the smallholder and family farmers, as well as micro and small agri-businesses.

The efforts of the Government to develop the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) are commendable; as it can help raise farmers' awareness and skills on green and sustainable agriculture.

We are pleased to note that early this year, the President has signed two special decrees on AKIS to approve the Concept of Development of the System of Knowledge and Innovation in Agriculture during 2021-2025.  

Of course, further agricultural reforms are needed to encourage farmers to actively implement these measures and train them to apply them effectively.

Purpose of the meeting

Today we are to sign the project document and initiate an inclusive process through which stakeholders involved in developing pathways to sustainable agricultural system can be engaged in and contribute to the project.

Main activities of the project during its inception period till January 2022 include:

• defining a work-plan for the next year and beyond project strategy for successful project implementation
• establishment of an office space
• recruitment of project staff

Ministry’s support will be critical – not only for office space for the Project, but also for forming the Project Board, and nomination of Project Coordinator.

Thanks & conclusion

We believe that the project will make a worthy contribution to support the Government's efforts towards green and sustainable agriculture.

UNDP is committed to its implementation and supporting the modernization of the agriculture sector.

I thank again the Government and the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan for entrusting UNDP with this important endeavour.