Uzbekistan and Jordan Strengthen Agricultural Cooperation

A delegation from Uzbekistan's Ministry of Agriculture led by Deputy Minister Jamshid Abduzokukov visited the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) in Jordan, seeking to boost scientific cooperation between the two countries. The visit aimed at exchanging expertise on climate change and sustainable agriculture to strengthen food security. The two countries discussed potential collaborations in genetic resource management, modern farming technologies, and livestock, including Awassi sheep and salt-tolerant tomatoes. Jordan's experience in advanced irrigation and water use efficiency will also be shared with Uzbekistan.

Key Takeaways:

• The delegation from Uzbekistan's Ministry of Agriculture visited the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) in Jordan to review the country's experience in applying agricultural scientific research.
• Future cooperation will focus on genetic resource management, joint research in modern farming technologies, and collaboration in livestock, particularly Awassi sheep, wheat, barley, and salt-tolerant tomatoes.
• Jordan's experience in advanced irrigation and efficient water use will be shared with Uzbekistan to help address climate extremes such as severe cold and frost affecting crops like olives in Uzbekistan.
• Uzbekistan faces challenges from severe cold and frost, while Jordan struggles with drought and rising temperatures, underscoring the need for knowledge and technology exchange.
• The delegation toured Jordan's National Seed Bank, reviewing preservation of plant genetic resources and programs to develop drought- and heat-tolerant crops, alongside cold- and frost-resistant varieties suitable for Uzbekistan.
• Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister Jamshid Abduzokukov emphasized the importance of exchanging knowledge and technologies to address climate extremes.
• NARC Director Ibrahim Rawashdeh highlighted the Shoubak Agricultural Research Station's apple genetic collection, noting that Uzbekistan could benefit from varieties adapted to its climate.
• The visit follows meetings at the Ministry of Agriculture and aims to support the farming sector in Uzbekistan.

Statistics:

• 2 countries discussed potential agricultural collaborations
• NARC has a collection of over 1,000 apple varieties at the Shoubak Agricultural Research Station
• Uzbekistan faces challenges from severe cold and frost affecting crops like olives, while Jordan struggles with drought and rising temperatures
• 4 potential areas of collaboration: genetic resource management, modern farming technologies, livestock, and irrigation efficiency

Sources:

• NARC Director Ibrahim Rawashdeh
• Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister Jamshid Abduzokukov
• Ministry of Agriculture (Uzbekistan)
• National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) (Jordan)