Uzbekistan and IFAD discuss AI and drone use in agriculture

Uzbekistan and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have agreed to expand cooperation in agriculture, including artificial intelligence, mechanization and drones. The issues were discussed by Agriculture Minister Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov with IFAD Vice-President D. Brown and IFAD's representative in Uzbekistan, T. A. Monem, during the minister's visit to Italy for the World Food Forum, according to the government's press service.

The sides reviewed agrarian reforms in Uzbekistan and the project "Effective Solutions for Agribusiness: High Income, Investment and Sustainability." IFAD's Vice-President noted Uzbekistan's role in food security and agricultural development in the region, and said the organization's only Central Asian office is in Tashkent.

The parties agreed to continue cooperation under grant projects for 2026–2028. Priorities include AI technologies in agriculture, mechanization of the sector and wider use of unmanned technologies.