Digital innovation and technology can transform agrifood systems into environmentally and economically sustainable systems that will promote better production and enhance more equitable rural livelihoods with increased opportunities for women, youth, and vulnerable groups.  The challenge is how to move ahead with a digitalization programme that is effective and efficient, and which harnesses the existing wealth of knowledge held by farmers, agribusiness entrepreneurs, researchers, and extension service agents.

To consider that question, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan held a workshop on 1 March in Tashkent on the topic of “Transforming Uzbekistan’s agriculture through knowledge, innovation and digitalization.” National and international stakeholders assessed the present status of innovation and digitalization of agriculture in Uzbekistan and shared experiences. The workshop officially launched the project “Preparing the grounds for digital transformation of agriculture” implemented by FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic Uzbekistan. The project is designed to address the challenges towards innovation and digital transformation of the entire agri-food sector.