KABUL (Pajhwok): Uzbek officials have expressed readiness to implement joint agriculture projects with Afghanistan across multiple provinces, focusing on improved seeds, horticulture and livestock development, an official statement said.
A statement from the Afghan Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock said Minister Mawlawi Attaullah Omari met in Kabul with a delegation led by Uzbek Deputy Minister of Agriculture Jamshid Abduzokirov.
The statement added that both sides discussed cooperation in agriculture, livestock, horticulture, research, extension services, training of agriculture and veterinary students, as well as investment expansion in these sectors.
Omari emphasized the establishment of cattle, sheep, goat and horse farms, the promotion of modern farming methods, familiarization of farmers with new techniques and increasing wheat production.
According to the statement, Deputy Minister Mawlawi Nooruddin Umir also held a separate meeting with the delegation, during which Afghanistan’s needs in agriculture, livestock and irrigation were discussed, along with continued cooperation in livestock development, fish farming, beekeeping and research exchange programs.
The source added that the Uzbek delegation presented its proposals in various areas during the meeting with the agriculture minister and expressed readiness to implement joint projects in the promotion of improved wheat seeds, corn, horticulture and livestock sectors in the provinces of Kabul, Nangarhar, Kandahar, Faryab, Jawzjan, Balkh, Kunduz and Takhar.
According to the statement, Uzbek Deputy Minister Jamshid Abduzokirov also expressed his country’s readiness to cooperate in establishing agricultural laboratories, developing 100-hectare orchards, promoting and distributing improved seeds (wheat, watermelon, melon and rice), training agriculture and livestock staff and students, expanding poultry farming and promoting modern agricultural technologies.
He stated that Afghanistan’s agricultural exports have increased compared to the past, and that Uzbek consumers show particular interest in Afghan products due to their quality and taste.
It is worth noting that the delegation, led by the Uzbek Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, visited Afghanistan and both sides agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in the agriculture sector.
sa
