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3. Action track #2 shift to sustainable consumption patterns The following suggestions were presented; • Provide one-time subsidies and resources for food purchases to vulnerable communities based on assessing their needs. • Create a means of reducing the cost for food transportation to enable a more efficient food harvest-production-processing value chain, particularly cold storage facilities during the high season. • Examine food value chains and determine ways to reduce waste products and food waste. • Raise awareness on the benefits of recycling. • Develop policies for creating f... Подробнееavourable conditions for vulnerable communities. Скрыть

2. Action track #1 ensure access to safe and nutritious food for all The following suggestions were presented; • Introduce widespread media coverage on topics related to proper nutrition, promotion of healthy foods and balanced diets. Restrict excessive advertising of unhealthy foods, such as carbonated drinks, junk foods and allow more space for advertising natural farm producers and products. Awareness raising campaigns and education programmes in schools with a focus on local context is also essential, particularly for the younger generation. • Research the harm and benefits of palm oil... Подробнее. Disseminate information about this product to the public so that people can make a more informed decision on palm oil consumption. • Invest and develop the cold storage capacity and safe transportation system, such as fridge track, and proper packaging to maintain freshness. Capacity management during the high season is also critical to providing affordable food prices. • Establish a state inspection system for controlling the sale of expired products. • Revise import regulations. Скрыть

1. National Food Security System The dialogue convener underlined three urgent major issues: • The urgent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural waste. While Uzbekistan emitted 32,423 gigagram greenhouse gas in 2017, a reduction of 5.53%, they revised the target to achieve a 10% reduction by 2021, which still poses a challenge. • Further improvement of the hunger level. In the 2020 Global Hunger Index, Uzbekistan ranked 30th out of 107 countries with sufficient data to calculate the 2020 GHI score. Since 2000, Uzbekistan has achieved low levels of hunger – 6.7%, down fro... Подробнееm 24.4%. • The recent dramatic growth of food imports from foreign countries has caused various issues in Uzbekistan. In 2020, food imports amounted to $1,750.7 million and 4,794.4 thousand products, mainly from Russia, Kirgizstan, Belarus, China and Malaysia. Law and institutional systems must be streamlined to integrate international standards and strengthen import policy. Based on nine priority areas in the agriculture development strategy, the Government set the following indicators and action points to address food system challenges. 1) Food Security: Increase the productivity of the average crop of cereal grains by 17 %; Increase total crop areas containing fodder crops by 1.1 %; Improve the average milk yield. 2) Favourable Agribusiness Environment: Increase the share of export from agricultural enterprises by 14 %; Improve village farming and strengthen the "Made in Uzbekistan" brand; Improve Uzbekistan's ranking (117) in 2018 in the World Bank's Logistic Performance Index (LPI); Increase the share of processed products by 21.1%; Increase workers from the food industry by 3 %. 3) Reduction of State Intervention and Promotion of Investment: Improve the ranking of 77 out of 101 countries in the World Bank EVA index; Increase capital investment (2021 exceeded the target for the year). 4) Improve Natural resources usage: Increase farmland by 1.0 million hectares; Increase farmland water-saving technologies by 2.3%; Reduce the percentage of saline soils; Increase Forest areas to 3.4 million hectares; Increase angiosperm land area by 39%. 5) Modernize Public administration systems: Proceed with the ongoing agricultural reform and strengthen accountability as per new Presidential Decrees; Revise the structure of state enterprises; Privatize public enterprises and accelerate the legal process. 6) Diversify government spending: Increase agriculture research costs by 0.0015%; Increase loans to $ 900 million; Strengthen medium-term budgeting. 7) Develop agricultural sciences, education, information and counselling services: raise the number of graduates who engage in agribusiness by 24 %; Increase farmers' access to advice and services by 5%; Increase the number of farmers who are satisfied with knowledge dissemination services and information counselling centres by 5%. 8) Development of Rural areas: Increase the number of manufactures (micro-firms) in rural areas by 57.8%; Increase the number of Women producers in rural areas by 8 %; Increase youth involvement in product development in rural areas by 8%. 9) Development of a transparent system of statistics: Improve the national statistics system, including agriculture food statistics. As outcomes of the national food security system overview, the Government of Uzbekistan will implement the following actions by the end of 2021. • Introduce a supply market mechanism for plant protection and mineral fertilizer by April 2021. • Initiate a food safety and national consumption programme by September 2021. • Create transparent mechanisms for the lease of land plots by September 2021. • Conduct climate change analysis and software development by December 2021. • Initiate a digital agriculture integration platform (e-agriculture uz) by December 2021. In order to achieve these ambitious targets, the Government emphasizes the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement. Moreover, Uzbekistan seeks to demonstrate strong initiative and leadership in the upcoming global dialogue session, cognizant of existing strong food system cooperation, internal and external. Скрыть

1. Action track #1 Ensure access to safe and nutritious food for all The following issues were identified with regards to affordable and safe food products; • The intensive use of palm oil in food products leads to long-term health-related issues for the population. Due to its low price and ease of use, palm oil has become widely popular among local people without an understanding of its side effects. • Perceptions on balanced healthy diets, proper nutrition, especially among the youth and children, are poorly formed. Questions related to the importance of food safety and how to maintain a... Подробнее healthy diet often arise. Moreover, the media does not conduct enough healthy food marketing campaigns and awareness-raising activities. • Considering the statement above, excessive consumption of carbonated drinks, chips, crackers, and other unhealthy foods is prevalent in children. Advertisements for these types of foods contribute directly to this trend. The negative impact that television advertising plays on young people's preoccupation with junk food is significant. • Expired products are commonplace in the market, and the inspection control mechanism is not functioning well. As a result, there have been many cases of food poisoning. • The harvest from farms needs to be sold right away, as there is not enough efficient refrigeration equipment to store farm products for more extended periods without compromising their quality. 2. Action track #2 Shift to sustainable consumption patterns The following issues were identified with regards to strengthening the consumption value chain; • While there are currently several support measures in place for vulnerable communities, they are one-size-fits-all and do not reflect the diverse needs of these communities due to a lack of needs assessment among vulnerable communities. This type of assessment could help establish evidence-based policies that reflect their needs and support them effectively to gain access to nutritious foods. • The supply chain process of food production has resulted in a large amount of food waste, which in turn drives up the price of food. • Much food loss is also caused by the lack of proper food storage, especially freezing storage, during the harvest season, which prevents the food from maintaining its freshness. 3. Action track #3 Boost nature- positive Production The following issues were identified with regards to the nature-positive production process; • Since many farmers are using excessive chemical fertilizers and overly cultivating their lands, it is essential to encourage effective land use and conversion to organic fertilizers. • Unsustainable water management and use, particularly in the irrigation process. • Much of the agricultural technology and machinery in use today is already outdated, which negatively impacts on the environment, including an increase in emissions and waste products. • Proper package handling of food products needs to be improved to ensure safety in the food transportation process. On the other hand, inappropriate handling and mass disposal of food packages are also a constant, uncontrolled problem. • Limited amount of land, and no authorization for sowing. 4. Action track #4 Advance equitable livelihoods The following issues were identified with regards to equitable value distribution; • As education and capacity building opportunities provided for farmers are predominantly export market-based, they do not reflect local needs. • Farmers cannot promptly purchase some products for processing (such as fertilizers). There is also a limited variety of products a farmer can purchase, and sometimes they depend on one supplier only. • Although local farmers should have the freedom to decide for themselves to whom they will sell the food they produce, most of their crops are sold to clusters. In a market economy, they should not be forced to sell only to clusters and the state procurement system. • There is a difference in income among various population groups, and we should actively seek methods of reducing this income gap. 5. Action track #5 Build resilience to vulnerabilities, shocks and stress The following issues were identified with regards to support for vulnerable groups; • Lack of educational opportunities for low-income families in the region leads them to not fully utilize the aid provided. For instance, a family receives a greenhouse to grow lemons as a part of the aid programme. However, the family does not have knowledge on growing lemons. Without careful planning consideration of aid programmes, the aid cannot benefit vulnerable communities. • Insufficient financing opportunities for low-income families. • The supply base for vulnerable communities is not developed. • There is no efficient system for supporting low-income families. Скрыть

The Dialogue began with a brief overview of the Agriculture Development Strategy of Uzbekistan for 2020-2030, sharing nine priority areas identified by the Government; 1) Food security for the population, 2) Natural resource use for environmental protection, 3) Development of agricultural sciences, education, information and counselling services, 4) Convenient agribusiness to improve value chains, 5) Modernizing the Public administration systems, 6) Development of Rural Areas, 7) Reducing State intervention and increasing investment, 8) Diversifying government spending, and 9) Development of a... Подробнее transparent system of statistics. One of the highlights of this new strategy is to introduce indicators to monitor progress. In the thematic discussion session, participants were divided into five groups based on the five Action Tracks; 1) Ensure access to safe and nutritious food for all; 2) Shift to sustainable consumption patterns; 3) Boost nature-positive production; 4) Advance equitable livelihoods; 5) Build resilience to vulnerabilities, shocks and stress. They explored options for collective action that can contribute via national pathways to sustainable food systems. The first action track (Ensure access to safe and nutritious food for all) focused on the challenges on the local consumption model and diet, particularly on the excessive intake of palm oils and junk foods among the young population. Issues of food management regarding expired food oversight and shortage of cold storage facilities were also identified. As a way forward, the group proposed strengthening awareness-raising activities to change perceptions and create good habits around balanced healthy diets and proper nutrition among youth and children, as well as establishing a food inspection monitoring system. The second action track (Shift to sustainable consumption patterns) focused attention on the importance of needs assessment in vulnerable communities as well as food waste management. The group suggested developing a responsive, inclusive policy for vulnerable communities, such as providing subsidies and reducing food transportation costs by improving the productivity of the food value chain. The third action track (Boost nature-positive production) identified issues on unsustainable soil productivity, water resource management, disposal of food packaging, and outdated agricultural machinery that causes adverse environmental effects instead of efficiency. The group offered various proposals to preserve scarce resources, including the use of natural fertilizers, drip irrigation systems, proper disposal labelling, and eco-friendly certification. The fourth action track (Advance equitable livelihoods) addressed how to respond to various needs and ensure inclusiveness by providing uniform support. The group was concerned about farmers who do not have freedom of choice due to the monopoly of the market by several enterprises and the state procurement system. The current situation in which uniform aid does not reflect the needs of the people also causes problems. The group suggested providing capacity building training for farmers based on their preference and skills and provide various suppliers and product options that the farmers can purchase based on their needs. The fifth action track (Build resilience to vulnerabilities, shocks and stress) took particular note of social and economic support for low-income families and aid effectiveness. The group emphasized the importance of conducting needs assessment and developing evidence-based policy for the effective supporting mechanisms. Furthermore, they suggested establishing an oversight system for the proper allocation and utilization of subsidies and benefits to maximize aid efficiency. Скрыть

• Lack of blueprint Although many wish lists were put forward, there was no clear implementation plan on how to take a balanced approach to an incompatible but inter-linked agenda with limited resources. It is also unclear how to secure the financial resources to achieve sustainable food systems. • Creation of an Agromarketing department Currently, agro marketing is not developed in Uzbekistan, and a lack of up-to-date information on prices and market conditions forces producers to sell their products to intermediaries at a significantly lower price. Cognizant that Dehkan farms account for... Подробнее 70 % of total agricultural output, it is necessary to pursue an agro-marketing policy throughout the country and create a single database on the demand and supply of agricultural products in markets across the whole region, with current prices, providing timely information to farmers and dehkans. A proposal was made to create an Agromarketing department within the structure of the Ministry of Agriculture. • Lack of reliable databases and statistics It is necessary to provide statistical clarity. Figures from official statistics do not correspond to reality, which hinders the adoption of appropriate decisions on the provision of food. Food price statistics should be based on market prices. For example, although 70 % of the total volume of agricultural products and 90 % of livestock products in the country are produced by dehkan farms, they are only allocated 14 % of the total land. Agriculture production would increase if we applied a scientific approach. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce a transparent statistical system that identifies the activities of private household plots. • Review and diversification of crops in Karakalpakstan Cotton production currently consists of 40% of the total production in Karakalpakstan. Although the total cost of growing 1 hectare of cotton is 12 million soums, the profit generated was only 9 million soums per hectare, as 1 ton of cotton cost 4.5 million soums last year. Therefore, it is necessary to reconsider the distribution of crop types in Karakalpakstan, considering local conditions. • Introduction of modern machinery and equitable distribution mechanism Many people emphasized that new machinery and equipment, such as cultivators, need to be imported urgently to improve agricultural productivity and accelerate the sustainable food system. However, before providing machinery to farmers, it is essential to consider an adequate distribution mechanism to respond to the diverse needs of farmers. For example, it is not always economically rational or viable for small farmers to install expensive machinery. In this case, small farmers need come together to share one machine, or one farmer takes the machine and leases it to others. It is crucial to consider the best implementation procedure beforehand. • Technology and environmental issue The introduction of laser equalizer equipment will contribute to optimizing water usage and improving efficiency. However, laser equalizers require a considerable amount of diesel fuel, to which farmers have no access. Before we push ahead with the introduction of advanced technologies to improve efficiency, we should carefully consider the environmental impact of such technologies. We need to think about how we can improve productivity and reduce environmental impact at the same time. • Feasibility of scaling up green resource use approach Nobody denies the importance of developing resource-saving technology and reliable data and statistics, particularly laboratory analysis and mapping of the soil and water quality at the district-farm level which might help farmers grow the right crop in the right place. However, it is doubtful whether we have a sufficient number of mandated organizations to render such services. Although farmers can use a few affordable tools and approaches, nothing takes place on a broader scale. A detailed scale-up plan should be put in place to stimulate and transform land users to apply 'green' approaches to resource use. • Issue of law enforcement and inclusivity We need to ensure the implementation and enforcement of the law, as the legal solutions already provided have not reached the lower levels of the population. All the issues pointed out are also already identified and well-regulated in the Government. Therefore, we must consider and put our effort into ensuring that the law is effective for everyone, leaving no one behind. Скрыть

6. Action track #5 build resilience to vulnerabilities, shocks and stress Suggestions: • Teaching the population to practice farming, raising the culture of farming practice among the general population. • The motivation of the general population to engage in agriculture (farming) will allow households to be self-sufficient in some agricultural products. • Digitalization of food markets. • Diversification of types of crops. • Improvement of agricultural logistics. • The universal use of food products. • Use of international experience in the production of agricultural products (t... Подробнееransition to more financially efficient production through the use of innovative technologies. • Creation of greenhouses with the help of state support. • Subsidies in agriculture. • Processing of products. • Decent salaries. The problem of the departure of specialists, for example, agronomists and farmers, to Kazakhstan, where wages are higher than in Uzbekistan. • Creation of a state programme for internship for specialists, people in business, farmers abroad. • Increase dietary diversity. Cooking, for example, bread made from other foods (corn flour). Production of prepared food (semi-finished products). • Development of resource-saving technologies. Solar energy. Скрыть

5. Action track #4 advance equitable livelihoods Suggestions: • Providing farmers with preferential loans, subsidies for the purchase of modern technologies. • Encouraging young people to study to be agronomists (payment of contracts at a university, a decent salary, etc.). • Attracting foreign specialists. • Improving the efficiency of fertilizer plants. • Reducing the cost of fertilizer plants through subsidies or subsidized leases and other subsidy instruments. • Correct training of agronomy specialists. • Import (government procurement) of innovative, more efficient agricultu... Подробнееral technical equipment. • Providing decent work. • De-monopolization of enterprises for the production of mineral fertilizers. • Remove VAT in agriculture. • Provide farmers with equipment for laser land leveling. • Renovation of farmers' equipment based on leasing. Скрыть

4. Action track #3 boost nature- positive Production Suggestions: • Protection of eco-systems (conservation). • Expansion of the area of protected natural areas. • Development of the marketing system. • Improving the work of agrochemical service stations. • Develop a concept and strategy for the development of food systems, indicating goals and indicators. • Use of safe vehicles. • Use of low-waste technologies in food production. • Improving production efficiency. • Opening of the Invintro laboratory in Karakalpakstan. • Establish a marketing system for environmentally fri... Подробнееendly products. • Determine threats to environmental safety presented by production. • Restoration of damaged eco-systems (increase in the number of green trees, restoration of degraded lands. • Planting trees (thuja, which is very useful in the fight against tuberculosis bacilli). • Using a compensation mechanism to protect eco-systems. • Enforcement of laws passed to protect eco-systems. The widespread failure of state bodies and the population to comply with these laws is recognized. Скрыть

3. Action track #2 shift to sustainable consumption patterns Suggestions: • Improve Agro logistics and product marketing. • Production of products without chemicals. • Dissemination of information about correct nutrition among the population, raising awareness of the dangers of unhealthy nutrition. • Waste recycling, product reuse, product reuse chain creation. • Expand chemical-free food production. • Increased production of food products that are beneficial to the human body. • The Government needs to develop a mechanism to balance unreasonably high food prices. • Compliance ... Подробнееwith the rules of hygiene. • Solve the issue of waste disposal (organize their location away from settlements). • Incentives for local producers. • Provide state support to low-income and vulnerable groups of the population to meet their needs for food. • Provide the necessary resources (diesel fuel, water, machinery, fertilizers) at affordable prices for producers. • Create conditions for households plots and small farmers for food production, given that this category of producers produces more than 70% of food in the country. • Provide the population with decent wages to buy the food they need. • Provide the population with affordable food all year round. • Allocation of concessional loans for farmers and small cooperatives for food production. • Providing farmers with preferential loans for equipment for laser land levelling. • Equitable distribution of water resources (there are cases when water is primarily given to those who pay bribes to water workers). • Put the sale of food products in order. There are a lot of intermediaries in the supply chain, which leads to unreasonable price increases. • Provide accurate statistics. Figures from official statistics do not correspond to reality, which hinders the adoption of appropriate decisions on the provision of food. Food price statistics should be based on market prices. • Diversify crops. Instead of cotton, which requires a lot of water (in short supply in Karakalpakstan), provide for the sowing of other food crops. Скрыть

2. Action track #1 ensure access to safe and nutritious food for all Major Issues: • Improper nutrition related to food culture, geographic location (more fat, meat, flour products, traditional systematic consumption of black tea, mixed simultaneous intake of incompatible products, such as hot meals, fruits and tea); the bulk of the population lives on carbohydrate, and palm oil, so diseases of the cardiovascular system are widespread. 62% of cardiovascular diseases are due to malnutrition. • Lack of refrigeration facilities for farmers. Proper storage of food (refrigerator). For example, ... Подробнееharvesting takes several days, and during this time, it is necessary to store food in the right refrigeration conditions. • Poorly developed fruit transportation infrastructure. Transportation and storage costs are high. • There are problems with access to irrigated water, due to which it is impossible to grow food. • Due to chemicals in food, cancer is widespread among the population. • High prices for vegetable oil, even locally produced, which is obtained from cotton seeds. • Due to malnutrition, a high percentage of people with anaemia. • Thyroid disease is expected due to poor food and water quality. • Also, diseases such as gastritis and tuberculosis are widespread. • Failure to consume the required 2100 kilocalories per day. • Excessive consumption of karachay (black tea with milk) can lead to various diseases (anemia). Suggestions: • It is necessary to strengthen the promotion of healthy nutrition among the population. Use television, press, videos to promote the need for healthy eating. • It is necessary to revise diet, include more vegetables and fruits, move more, use fewer vehicles. In particular, the custom in Karakalpakstan of drinking milk with black tea was criticized as it leads to poor absorption of nutrients in the body. People neglect to each enough calories, eat irregularly and often snack instead of eating full meals, thereby depriving the body of nutrients which lowers immunity and contributes to disease. Banning palm oil. • Khokimiyats and local authorities, should allocate unused, reserve funds for farmers for refrigeration devices. • Allocation of benefits to farmers for the purchase of refrigeration devices. • Use of groundwater for irrigation of plants (as an alternative). • Diffusion of new and innovative methods (growing potatoes in paper bags instead of growing on salty soil). • There are a lot of empty buildings in the areas. The Government must provide sufficient refrigerated storage facilities. Food must be kept in refrigerators. • Assist in the procurement of pumps for pumping groundwater. For example, there are places with shallow freshwater (12 m), which will improve the water supply for food production. • It is necessary to expand the area using water-saving technologies. • Construction of greenhouses for growing potatoes using innovative technology. • The Government should carefully study and take measures to prevent unjustified price rises in food. Due to the high cost, the population is deprived of the opportunity to include safe oils and fruits in the diet. For example, participants raised the issue of the dangers of palm oil. Almost the entire confectionery industry uses this oil because it is cheap. The result is a significant increase in cardiovascular disease. • Widely used organic fertilizer in the fields. • Recycling. Скрыть

1. National Food Security System The dialogue convener underlined three major urgent issues: • The urgent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural waste. • Further improvement of the hunger level. • Law and institutional systems must be streamlined to integrate international standards and strengthen import policy. The Government set the following indicators and action points to address food system challenges. 1) Food Security: Increase the productivity of the average crop of cereal grains by 17 %; increase total crop areas containing fodder crops by 1.1 %; improve the aver... Подробнееage milk yield. 2) Favourable Agribusiness Environment: increase the share of exports from agricultural enterprises by 14 %; improve village farming and strengthen the "Made in Uzbekistan" brand; improve Uzbekistan's ranking (117) in 2018 in the World Bank's Logistic Performance Index (LPI); increase the share of processed products by 21.1%; increase workers in the food industry by 3 %. 3) Reduction of State Intervention and Promotion of Investment: improve the ranking of 77 out of 101 countries in the World Bank EVA index; increase capital investment (2021 exceeded the target for the year). 4) Improve natural resources usage: increase farmland by 1.0 million hectares; increase farmland water-saving technologies by 2.3%; reduce the percentage of saline soils; increase forest areas to 3.4 million hectares; increase angiosperm land area by 39%. 5) Modernize public administration systems: proceed with ongoing agricultural reforms and strengthen accountability as per new Presidential Decrees; revise the structure of state enterprises; privatize public enterprises and accelerate the legal process. 6) Diversify government spending: increase agriculture research costs by 0.0015%; increase loans to $ 900 million; strengthen medium-term budgeting. 7) Develop agricultural sciences, education, information and counselling services: raise the number of graduates who engage in agribusiness by 24 %; increase farmers' access to advice and services by 5%; increase the number of farmers who are satisfied with knowledge dissemination services and information counselling centres by 5%. 8) Development of Rural areas: increase the number of manufactures (micro-firms) in rural areas by 57.8%; increase the number of women producers in rural areas by 8 %; increase youth involvement in product development in rural areas by 8%. 9) Development of a transparent system of statistics: improve the national statistics system, including agriculture food statistics. The Government of Uzbekistan will implement the following actions by the end of 2021. • Introduce a supply market mechanism for plant protection and mineral fertilizer by April 2021. • Initiate a food safety and national consumption programme by September 2021. • Create transparent mechanisms for the lease of land plots by September 2021. • Conduct climate change analysis and software development by December 2021. • Initiate a digital agriculture integration platform (e-agriculture uz) by December 2021. Several issues and suggestions have been identified by online participants: • Lack of statistical data on all aspects of the country's food security systems. • The issue of harmonized language within the food security system. The need to strengthen and harmonize diverse food security terminologies to reach a wide range of people, particularly in Uzbek and Karakalpak languages. • Lack of knowledge sharing. International organizations and development agencies must learn from each other’s experiences, accelerate knowledge exchange, and create synergy to strengthen partnerships. • Policy recommendations are presented in the Report of Westminster University on "Urban Food Security and the Covid-19 Crisis; the case of Uzbekistan Cities" (P.9-24: Russian / English). This report identifies five policy options to ensure a robust and resilient urban food system: improved management of strategic food reserves; promotion of urban farming; sustainable urban social safety nets; open food trade; and continued liberalization of wheat production and market. Скрыть

1.Action track #1 Ensure access to safe and nutritious food for all •A big challenge is rooted in Uzbekistan's food culture and eating habits. In most Central Asian Countries, people tend to eat more meat and fewer vegetables than the average daily requirement. •Excessive use of palm oil also causes problems. Although cheap and widely used in every day products, certain ingredients in palm oil can increase cancer risk, making banning it advisable. •Central Asia's heavy karachay (black tea with milk) drinking culture needs to be reconsidered, as it causes many health problems, such as ana... Подробнееemia. Improper diet leads to type 2 diabetes. In 2018, 62% of all diseases identified in Uzbekistan were cardiovascular (caused by high blood pressure and malnutrition). Black tea affects the metabolism, increases blood pressure and leads to poor absorption of nutrients. Thus, it is crucial to explain the side-effects of drinking black tea to vulnerable populations. •Advocacy campaigns should be strengthened so that eating habits rooted in the food culture give way to nutritious, balanced meals. •However, in Karakalpakstan, the average family supplements a shortage of expensive calories by eating more carbohydrates. It is essential to work with local people to ensure access to safe and nutritious food in Karakalpakstan. •From a farming perspective, three main challenges were identified. Firstly, lack of water, particularly irrigation water. Farmers suggested drilling wells as a solution. Secondly, a lack of refrigerators/refrigeration facilities in which to store bulky crops. Without high-quality refrigeration facilities, it is hard to maintain the freshness of newly harvested products. Lastly, chemical fertilizer is used excessively. Although organic fertilizers are safer/environmentally friendly, the use of chemical fertilizers is increasing. This leads to loss of land fertility. 2.Action track #2 Shift to sustainable consumption patterns •An unsustainable food consumption system in Karakalpakstan represents a major challenge. Due to the environmental crisis in the Aral Sea region, the Republic of Karakalpakstan has struggled to provide a stable food supply to the population and relies on other regions. Furthermore, a lack of up-to-date information on prices and market conditions has allowed layers of intermediaries to set unfair prices, and unjust price hikes. •The Government should develop an equitable mechanism to balance food prices and support and monitor the supply chain to prevent significant price rises and ensure sustainability. Social and financial support to low-income groups is also necessary. •In order to improve local production capacity and create a sustainable value chain, incentives for local farmers/producers should be provided, and resources, such as land, water, fertilizers, machinery should be provided at affordable prices. 3.Action track #3 Boost nature- positive Production •There is a negative impact on eco-systems and poor implementation of environmental protection laws. Environmental law should be re-enforced and streamlined, including introducing compensation mechanisms which impose fines on enterprises which cause negative environmental impact. •It is also important to develop an overall concept and strategy for sustainable food systems, indicating clear goals, criteria, and indicators. Identifying and setting a clear safety threshold for the eco-system is necessary. •In order to restore the damaged eco-system, the planting of species such as Thuja tree and Oak, which can survive in harsh environments and inhibit the spread of tuberculosis bacilli, should be urgently increased. Planting species with low-water demands, such as legumes, oilseeds, sesame and sunflower is also highly recommended. •Considering the constant water shortages in Karakalpakstan, instead of water-thirsty cotton, it is essential to diversify food crops to mitigate risk. 4.Action track #4 Advance equitable livelihoods •Alongside the unjustifiably high cost of resources (i.e., diesel fuel, fertilizers, seeds, chemicals, machinery) there is low productivity, water scarcity, and a lack of qualified agronomists. •Since many companies are state-owned, high resource prices and low productivity are the most pressing issues. One suggestion is to remove VAT tax from agriculture, preventing monopoly and increasing market competitiveness. Moreover, subsidies for fertilizers, lease of agricultural equipment and machinery and preferential loans are recommended, particularly for small/medium-sized farmers. •Introducing laser equalizer equipment (special machinery that equalizes the water line for irrigation) would be useful. •To attract more agronomists, it is necessary to offer incentives, such as a decent salary, capacity building training, and new technological equipment. 5.Action track #5 Build resilience to vulnerabilities, shocks and stress •The pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of the food system, as certain essential foods have become difficult to obtain. However, some rural districts have been able to secure these. Teaching farming practices to the population could help households be self-sufficient in some agricultural products. •To shift to a more financially efficient production process and improve agricultural logistics, learning from international agricultural production experience and leveraging innovative technology is essential. •It is also important not to rely on external sources, but to use existing capacity to increase the efficiency of food production, including the improvement of ready foods. Скрыть

The Dialogue began with a brief overview of the Agriculture Development Strategy of Uzbekistan for 2020-2030, sharing nine priority areas identified by the Government; 1) Food security for the population, 2) Natural resource use for environmental protection, 3) Development of agricultural sciences, education, information and counselling services, 4) Convenient agribusiness to improve value chains, 5) Modernizing the Public administration systems, 6) Development of Rural Areas, 7) Reducing State intervention and increasing investment, 8) Diversifying government spending, and 9) Development of a... Подробнее transparent system of statistics. Introducing indicators to monitor progress is a highlight of the new strategy. In the thematic discussion session, participants were divided into five Action Track groups ; 1) Ensure access to safe and nutritious food for all; 2) Shift to sustainable consumption patterns; 3) Boost nature-positive production; 4) Advance equitable livelihoods; 5) Build resilience to vulnerabilities, shocks and stress. Groups explored options for collective action to contribute via national pathways towards sustainable food systems. The first action track (Ensure access to safe and nutritious food for all) focused on challenges rooted in Uzbekistan's food culture and eating habits, including a preference for excessive consumption of meat, oil, and tea. Structural issues for farmers were also identified; lack of access to water resources and irrigation facilities, lack of refrigeration facilities for long-term storage of harvested products, and chemical fertilizer usage. The second action track (Shift to sustainable consumption patterns) focused attention on the unsustainable consumption model in Karakalpakstan. Due to limited food production capacity and high dependency on other regions, average food prices are higher, and profits mostly concentrate on intermediate agents. The group offered a wide variety of suggestions related to consumption patterns, covering food waste management, qualitative hygiene control, financial and social support for vulnerable groups, and equitable water resource distribution. The third action track (Boost nature-positive production) emphasized the importance of legislation and/or legal frameworks to protect biodiversity and eco-systems, such as compensation mechanisms. The group suggested developing a comprehensive sustainable food system strategy with clear criteria and indicators to identify risk factors and safety thresholds and to monitor progress. The importance of selecting plants that can withstand harsh natural environments was also discussed. The fourth action track (Advance equitable livelihoods) addressed structural issues—expensive resources and low productivity in the agricultural sector due to long dominance of state-owned enterprises. Ways to introduce modern technology and agricultural machinery were explored, ensuring inclusivity and environmental-friendliness within limited resources. The fifth action track (Build resilience to vulnerabilities, shocks and stress) focused on the balanced-approach to imports and domestic food production capacity in order to build a sustainable national food system. Ensuring inclusivity and equity through digitalization and modern agricultural equipment was discussed. Скрыть