Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announces a competition to support the implementation and improvement of soil and leaf analysis services. Conceptual applications from private enterprises of Uzbekistan will be accepted for the competition. The finalists will receive equipment and/or individual training worth up to 2 billion soums.

The competition aims to select the best applications, which will result in an accurate soil analysis and conscious use of fertilizers. This, in turn, will significantly increase yields and reduce the environmental damage caused by fertilizers.

Michaela Meredith, USAID Mission Director in Uzbekistan, said: “In partnership with the government of Uzbekistan, USAID is supporting agribusinesses in their quest to meet the needs of the local and international market, as well as helping to increase their productivity and increase income. Efficient use of fertilizers by agricultural enterprises will ensure the stability of food prices and, at the same time, the growth of the agricultural sector.”

This year, USAID announced an additional US$2 million in funding to support Uzbek farmers and fertilizer producers to ensure food availability.

The use of fertilizers at key stages of growing plants allows farmers to increase yields and profits. However, most farmers in Uzbekistan do not have access to testing, which leads to the use of fertilizers at the wrong time, or in insufficient or excessive amounts. Suboptimal use of fertilizers negatively affects plant growth, causes environmental pollution and soil degradation, which leads to low crop yields. Therefore, regular soil testing is critical in optimizing fertilizer use and increasing yields.

To provide farmers and agribusinesses with timely and accurate information about the types and amounts of fertilizer needed to grow specific crops, the USAID Agribusiness Development Project intends to invest with competition finalists in building or improving existing soil and leaf analysis services.

In addition, the program will train extension service experts and consultants in advanced soil and leaf analysis techniques to further provide guidance to farmers and agribusinesses. The application deadline is 15 December 2022.