Karakalpakstan Launches Accelerator for Farmers and Agribusiness

Karakalpakstan is set to launch an accelerator program designed to empower farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs, enhancing their expertise, fostering product commercialization, and opening up new market avenues.

This initiative is part of the "Development of Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems on Degraded Lands of Karakalpakstan" project, which receives funding from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD).

The program is a collaborative effort between the United Arab Emirates' International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) and Uzbekistan's Innovation Development Agency.

Training sessions are scheduled to commence on August 3rd and will run for one month at the Nukus Youth Technopark.

Participants will receive hands-on training in creating value-added products, modern business management, product commercialization, and strategies for accessing new markets.

The project aims to engage a total of 200 farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs throughout Karakalpakstan.

**"Farmer support needed to move to a new level"**

Tarifa Alzaabi, Director of ICBA, stated that the accelerator program was developed by drawing upon the insights and outcomes of previous projects implemented in Karakalpakstan.

She explained, "While evaluating the outcomes of our projects, we identified the need to take support for farmers to a new level."

Alzaabi added, "Through this programme, participants will gain modern knowledge and practical skills, apply them effectively in their work and acquire the experience needed to develop successful businesses."

She emphasized that the program's primary goal is to equip farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to become successful entrepreneurs and efficient farmers.

**Value chain to follow a "Farm to Fork" approach**

Alzaabi highlighted the importance of supporting farmers not only during the production phase but across the entire value chain.

She articulated, "We aim to support farmers across the entire value chain. This is the 'Farm to Fork' approach, covering production, processing, marketing and delivery to consumers."

According to Alzaabi, the program will provide participants with knowledge and skills encompassing every stage, from seed sowing and soil preparation to crop cultivation, processing, and market access.

**Salt- and drought-tolerant crops create new opportunities**

Alzaabi identified the integration of climate-smart crops, specifically adapted to Karakalpakstan's environmental conditions, as a key priority of the program.

She noted, "In the context of the Aral Sea crisis and climate change, special attention should be paid to climate-smart crops. We have introduced drought- and salt-tolerant crops for farmers in Karakalpakstan. This makes it possible to use water and other natural resources more efficiently."

She further explained that such crops not only enhance agricultural efficiency but also contribute additional value to the region's ecosystem.

Following the completion of the accelerator program, significant focus will be placed on bringing participants' products to market, supporting their commercialization, and developing value-added supply chains.

The organizers anticipate that this initiative will foster innovative and sustainable agriculture in Karakalpakstan, simultaneously boosting the competitiveness of farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs.