Agency For The Development Of Light Industry Under The Cabinet Of Ministers Of The Republic Of Uzbekistan

As part of the Better Cotton Initiative Large Farm Week, a special workshop was organized for the participants.

During the workshop, representatives from Uzbekistan, Australia, Brazil, Greece, Türkiye, and the United States exchanged views on sustainable cotton production, modern production approaches, international standards, and ways to improve the efficiency of cotton cultivation.

Participants shared best practices from their respective countries, practical solutions, and modern approaches in cotton production, while also discussing new areas for mutually beneficial cooperation.

As part of the week, a visit by the Better Cotton Initiative delegation to the Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan was also organized.

The delegation was welcomed by Professor Zabardast Tojiboyevich Buriyev, Director of the Center, who introduced the guests to the Center’s key research areas, laboratories, and scientific developments being applied in breeding and agricultural production.

During the visit, BCI representatives gained an in-depth understanding of research in cotton genomics and biotechnology, genetic engineering, tissue culture, bioinformatics, and molecular breeding.

In particular, the Laboratory of Transgenomics and Tissue Culture demonstrated the “Porloq” series of cotton varieties, developed using modern RNA interference technology. Particular attention was paid to their high yield potential, fiber quality, and resistance to adverse conditions, including drought.

The delegation was also presented with the “Ravnaq-1” and “Ravnaq-2” cotton varieties, developed using marker-assisted selection (MAS) methods. The participants were informed about the importance of modern molecular approaches in identifying promising genotypes and accelerating the development of new cotton varieties.

Following the visit, a roundtable discussion was held with the participation of the Center’s management, scientists, and representatives of the BCI delegation.

The discussion focused on the development of sustainable cotton production, the efficient use of genetic resources, improving cotton fiber quality, developing climate-resilient cotton varieties, and the wider application of modern scientific developments in agricultural production.

The parties also exchanged views on prospects for expanding international cooperation in science, innovation, and sustainable cotton production, strengthening scientific and practical knowledge exchange, and enhancing the competitiveness of Uzbek cotton.