Enhancing vegetable production in Fergana Valley, Uzbekistan
FAO’s Smart Farming project is driving transformative change in Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley. By optimizing and modernizing 60 smallholder farmers' greenhouses, covering a combined area of 18,900 square meters, the project supports local farmers in boosting productivity, improving vegetable quality, and strengthening market connections. Additionally, the project facilitates the construction of two nurseries for seedling production and two model demonstration greenhouses. This comprehensive approach strengthens sustainable vegetable production, improves local livelihoods, and promotes environmental stewardship.
The Fergana Valley, located in eastern Uzbekistan, is one of Central Asia's most fertile and densely populated regions. Enclosed by mountains and nourished by the Syr Darya River, the valley is a major agricultural hub for Uzbekistan, especially in vegetable production. The valley’s warm summers and mild winters create ideal conditions for crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and leafy greens, grown in both open fields and greenhouses. However, limited water resources and rising temperatures challenge the region’s semi-arid climate, affecting soil health and crop yields. To address these issues, FAO and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Agriculture launched the Smart Farming for the Future Generation project, which introduces improved greenhouse practices to support year-round vegetable production and enhance food security.
The project modernizes greenhouses with reinforced structures, high-quality covering materials, and water-saving technologies across Fergana, Andijan, and Namangan regions. Smallholder farmers receive high-quality seedlings, advanced technical equipment, and essential tools to improve greenhouse cultivation. Together, these resources and the best practices shared through the project significantly increase production and improve local living conditions and nutrition.
To control pests and diseases, the project introduced a range of protective measures, including high-quality covering materials, anti-insect nets, insect traps, double-door systems, and disinfection mats at greenhouse entrances. Regular training sessions on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) further equip farmers to manage pest risks effectively.
The project developed ten capacity-building modules on greenhouse management, vegetable production, irrigation, fertilization, seedling production, and pest and disease control. More than 300 participants, including smallholder farmers, rural community members, youth, government agencies, and private sector representatives, attended 20 in-class training sessions, building foundational skills and knowledge in greenhouse management, good agricultural practices (GAP), and IPM techniques.
As climate challenges intensify, FAO’s Smart Farming project is making a lasting impact in the Fergana Valley. By modernizing greenhouses, providing technical training, and implementing sustainable practices, the project strengthens local vegetable production, enhances farmers' livelihoods, and supports environmental resilience across Fergana, Andijan, and Namangan, paving the way for a sustainable future.
Related links
Find out more
