Uzbekistan

Niljan Bakhshaliyeva – Uzbekistan Economics Correspondent

BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 14. Uzbekistan and South Korea discussed plans to digitize rice farming and introduce innovative technologies to improve agricultural productivity and research cooperation.

This was reflected in the statement by the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan, following a meeting with Sanghyun Kim, director of the International Agricultural Cooperation Center of South Korea’s Macro Agricultural Policy Division at Uzbekistan’s Rice Research Institute.

Institute Director Abdullo Mansurov briefed the Korean delegation on the institute’s research activities, including the development of new rice varieties, modern agricultural technologies and efforts to strengthen links between scientific research and agricultural production.

Particular attention was given to the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in rice farming.

The sides explored the possibility of developing a modern digital platform capable of identifying and forecasting potential problems in rice cultivation, remotely monitoring crop conditions, optimizing agricultural practices and predicting yields.

Such technologies could provide farmers and agricultural specialists with more timely data, allowing them to make more informed decisions throughout the growing season.

The participants also discussed integrating research findings into digital databases and expanding the practical application of modern technologies in rice production.

Another focus was on strengthening the skills of specialists and young researchers and expanding exchanges of experience between scientists from Uzbekistan and South Korea.

“The development of digital and innovative technologies can create new opportunities to improve the efficiency and productivity of rice farming,” the Uzbek side said.

The cooperation comes as Uzbekistan seeks to modernize its agricultural sector through digitalization, technology transfer and stronger links between research institutions and producers.

The sides identified potential areas for joint research projects, technology development and professional training, with the aim of strengthening scientific cooperation and bringing innovation more deeply into rice production.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue cooperation on digital and innovative solutions, implement joint scientific projects, develop professional capacity and expand exchanges between researchers from the two countries.

Published Date: August 14, 2026