Abu Dhabi Fund For Development Inaugurates Agricultural Production Systems Project In Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan

The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has launched the Agricultural Production Systems Development Project in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan. This initiative, titled "Development of Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems in Degraded Areas of Karakalpakstan," is a collaborative effort with the Uzbek government and several international organisations. The project aims to restore agricultural productivity and resilience in the Aral Sea region's arid and saline environments.

During an official ceremony, Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, highlighted the project's alignment with global goals. He stated, "This project reflects the vision of our wise leadership and our shared commitment to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals of strengthening food security worldwide." The event was attended by key figures including Orinbayev Amanbay Tieubayevich from Karakalpakstan and Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi from the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA).

Launched in 2022 with AED18.7 million (US$5 million) funding from ADFD, this project introduces integrated agricultural systems to boost productivity and support local communities. It addresses challenges like drought and land degradation caused by the Aral Sea crisis. The initiative focuses on drought-, heat-, and salt-tolerant crops, advanced water management systems, and innovative agricultural models to enhance food security.

The project also involves testing over 20 resilient crop types under extreme conditions across three model sites. Additionally, it includes developing modern irrigation infrastructure, cost-effective greenhouses, seed propagation units, and an agri-aquaculture system combining salt-tolerant crops with fish production for resource efficiency.

A core component is capacity building, training nearly 2,000 specialists and farmers on advanced practices to ensure long-term sustainability. Al Suwaidi noted that beyond agriculture, the initiative contributes to broader economic resilience by unlocking opportunities aligned with Uzbekistan’s national development agenda.

Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi expressed pride in their partnership with ADFD: "We are proud of our partnership with Abu Dhabi Fund for Development... In Uzbekistan, this collaboration has enabled the testing of more than twenty varieties of crops tolerant to salinity and drought." This collaboration has led to significant advancements in sustainable agricultural practices suited to arid environments.

Scientific Innovation and Community Empowerment

Xabibullaev Baxitjan Sagidullaevich from the International Innovation Center for the Aral Sea Basin emphasised cooperation's role in success: "Today’s meeting symbolises confidence, cooperation, and solidarity." Since 2019, they have implemented projects benefiting over a thousand farmers. The project was honoured with the Energy Globe Award 2024 for its achievements.

Sagidullaevich mentioned a new pilot on Integrated Agri-Aquaculture Systems combining crop and fish farming with efficient water use. These efforts strengthen food security while supporting climate change adaptation in the Aral Sea region. The Center expressed gratitude to international partners for their continued support.

A Model for Sustainable Development

This project marks a major milestone for Karakalpakstan by transforming environmental challenges into sustainable agriculture opportunities through improved soil quality and optimised water use. By integrating scientific innovation with community empowerment, it provides a forward-looking model balancing human needs with environmental sustainability.

This initiative stands out as a practical model of triangular South–South cooperation as the international community seeks scalable pathways to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. It lays a foundation for a more resilient future by addressing global environmental challenges through strategic partnerships.

With inputs from WAM