Together with the International Innovation Center of the Aral Sea region and the non-profit organization Sachsen-Leinen (Germany), it is planned to implement a three-year applied project “Reclamation of saline agricultural land in Karakalpakstan using adapted raw materials of agricultural crops (Apocinum/Kutra) and the creation of a raw material base for the textile industry as an alternative to cotton” . To continue the project and the possibility of its commercialization in the future, a seminar was organized at the International Innovation Center of the Aral Sea region with the participation of experts from the non-profit organization Sachsen-Leinen (Germany).

During the visit, the German delegation met with scientists, professors and undergraduates of the Karakalpak Institute of Agriculture and Agricultural Technologies, the Faculty of Textile and Light Industry of the Karakalpak State University, as well as with specialists from textile enterprises to discuss the prospects and advantages of growing kutra (Apocynum venetum) in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, its contribution to the development of the textile industry and other issues related to the industry. The workshop discussed harvesting, primary processing methods and quality management system for kutra stems and fibers, the textile potential of the fibre, market and sustainability for this fibre, economic potential and benefits of using kutra in Europe, as well as completed wool projects and new ideas.

Thus, the workshop was an important step in advancing the project, revealing its potential for the textile industry and strengthening the possibilities for its commercialization in the future.