During the visit, former agricultural airfields, previously used for processing fields with pesticides, were examined to create a national register of obsolete pesticides and contaminated areas. The project pays great attention to the introduction of technologies for the extraction of these harmful substances from water and soil and their processing. 

"The first inventory of former agricultural airfields in the Khorezm region was carried out in the early 2000s, as a result of which the reclamation of these lands was carried out. It is crucial to study the current situation related to the condition of such airfields, of which there are 27 in the region. Based on the results of the primary inventory, sampling, and analytical laboratory studies will be carried out to determine the contamination of the soils of these territories for the content of obsolete pesticides", says Masharif Navruzov, head of the analytical laboratory of the Khorezm Regional Department of the Ministry of Ecology.

For information: Khorezm region has used a large number of pesticides in agriculture in the past, which has led to the accumulation of significant stocks of obsolete and banned substances. These pesticides pose a threat to human health and the environment, which makes their inventory and safe disposal necessary. The inclusion of these data in the national register will make it possible to manage risks more effectively and develop measures to eliminate the consequences of pollution.

"The inventory of these facilities will allow us to determine the number of contaminated sites, assess risks, and set priorities for further work. The collected data will be used to develop a national plan for the management of hazardous agricultural waste and create a map of contaminated areas throughout the country", said Elmurod Nazarov, national coordinator of the project.

It is worth noting that this project is part of a long-term strategy of FAO and the Ministry of Ecology aimed at improving the environmental situation in Uzbekistan and ensuring sustainable management of hazardous chemicals.

Its implementation is an important step towards improving environmental safety in Uzbekistan. The creation of a national register of obsolete pesticides will not only help reduce the risks associated with environmental pollution but will also become the basis for more effective management of hazardous waste in the future.