The International Innovation Center for the Aral Sea basin under the Ministry of Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources of the Republic of Karakalpakstan and the Agency for the Development of Agro-Industry, held a practical seminar on the development of intensive horticulture.
The event was attended by the Director of the Center, Bakhitjan Khabibullaev, representatives of relevant ministries, farmers, and heads of agro-clusters in the region.
The main focus was on the development of intensive horticulture and the application of the apple grafting method using layer shoots, developed by specialists from the International Innovation Center for the Aral Sea basin. This innovative approach opens new prospects for the development of intensive horticulture by increasing yields, improving plant resilience, and enhancing the efficiency of orchard management processes. The seminar participants received practical recommendations on establishing intensive orchards, shaping fruit trees, preparing garden rows for planting, and methods of pest and disease control.
Special attention was given to water conservation and efficient water use. During the practical demonstration, specialists from the Center presented drip irrigation technology, which has been successfully implemented in the orchards of the International Innovation Center for the Aral Sea basin. The seminar also covered issues related to accounting for water intake and distribution, as well as optimizing water use in the agricultural sector.
Director Bakhitjan Khabibullaev informed the participants about the activities of the agro-laboratory, where soil and water analyses are conducted, optimal agricultural crops are selected for specific plots, and recommendations are developed for orchard design and the installation of modern drip irrigation systems.
Additionally, seminar participants were briefed on the current government support measures for farmers, including the provision of benefits and incentives for farms implementing modern water-saving technologies and intensive horticulture methods in their orchards. [wds id="297"]