Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  A delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Turkey visited Uzbekistan to get acquainted with the joint project implemented as part of the FAO-Turkey cooperation program “Leaving No One Behind: Greater Involvement and Empowerment of Rural Women in Turkey and Central Asia” (GCP/SEC/018/TUR). The project is being implemented in Turkey, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

In particular, the delegation members visited the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan and the FAO representative office in Uzbekistan. During the meetings, participants explored strategies and best practices to advance gender equality in agriculture and forestry. They stressed the importance of replicating similar initiatives across other regions to enhance rural women's employment. The growing number of women contributing with dignity and equality in the agricultural sector, a cornerstone of the country's food security, was also highlighted.

“Significant progress has been achieved through the project. A gender assessment of Uzbekistan's agricultural sector has been completed and is now being prepared for publication. In the mahallas of Bostanlyk district, Tashkent region, the needs of women engaged in dairy farming and beekeeping were analyzed. Based on these findings, training sessions were held to enhance their skills and introduce modern technologies. To further support their economic activities, equipment for milk processing and beekeeping was provided. This initiative highlights the strong partnership between Turkey and Central Asian countries under the FAO-Turkey cooperation program. The ultimate goal is not only to support rural women but to empower them as leaders in agricultural innovation and contributors to their communities' economic development,” said Sherzod Umarov, Assistant Representative of FAO in Uzbekistan.

As part of the visit, the delegation traveled to Bostanlyk district, one of the project's target areas, where they met with women who had received support and participated in a ceremony to distribute beekeeping and milk processing equipment.

"The project is nearing completion, and we are happy with the progress made. This initiative focuses on developing dairy processing and beekeeping, as these activities are most familiar to rural women. Additionally, during the meetings, we explored opportunities for walnut cultivation. Given Bostanlyk's mountainous terrain, the region's climate is also well-suited for growing hazelnuts." said Shaban Özakın, a representative of Türkiye’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

One of the project’s beneficiaries, Muhabbat Begmatova, who is local to Bostanlik district, said that she had been unemployed for a long time and was only busy with household chores. She shared how the project opened new economic opportunities for her: “I was unemployed before. Through the project, I participated in milk processing training, and with the electric separator I received, I now earn more by producing various dairy products rather than just selling milk. In the future, I plan to expand my business and export my products abroad under a brand,” noted Muhabbat.

This cross-border cooperation project seeks to expand economic opportunities for rural women in partner countries, integrate gender equality into agricultural and forestry policies, enhance their knowledge and skills, and equip them with the resources needed to fully use market opportunities. Beneficiaries, witnessing the project's impact on their daily lives, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the program's initiators.