The AKIS system plays a key role in the development of science-based agriculture in New Uzbekistan. Agroservice centers are becoming an effective link, providing farmers with modern knowledge and innovations through the implementation of scientific developments.
Today, competitiveness in the global agricultural sector is determined not only by the efficient use of natural resources but also by the speed of applying scientific knowledge, innovations, and modern technologies. Global challenges, such as climate change, limited water resources, soil fertility preservation, and ensuring food security, require entirely new approaches in the agricultural sphere.
As part of reforms aimed at developing science-based agriculture in New Uzbekistan, the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) is gradually being improved. Agroservice centers, which are an important part of this system, have strengthened cooperation between research institutions, higher education institutions, and production, transforming into an effective mechanism that delivers scientific achievements directly to the fields.
For a long time, there was a gap in the implementation of scientific developments in the agricultural sector. Because new varieties, resource-saving technologies, and innovative solutions arrived in production late, many farmers continued to use traditional methods. However, thanks to systemic reforms in recent years, 13 agroservice centers operating in all regions of the country are solving this problem. Today, they function not just as consulting centers, but as knowledge centers that implement scientific developments, test innovations, and provide services upon request from producers.
Scientific recommendations, agrotechnological solutions, and specialized consultations are provided at a 'one-stop-shop' principle for farms, peasants, clusters, and landowners in one place.
Creating modern technologies alone is not enough; it is crucial to provide these technologies to producers in a timely manner and integrate them into an integral part of practice. To this end, agroservice centers regularly organize scientific and practical seminars, field exhibitions, trainings, and educational programs.
In 2025, 3222 seminars and trainings were held across the republic. Among them were 1385 educational seminars, 1220 field exhibitions, and 617 specialized trainings. A total of 184,822 industry specialists participated, including 128,956 farmers, 33,192 representatives of peasant farms, and 22,674 landowners.
This work continued steadily in the first half of 2026. 1810 events were organized over six months, including 912 field exhibitions, 597 scientific and practical seminars, and 330 educational trainings. 110,384 agricultural representatives participated, including 85,491 farmers, 14,389 representatives of peasant farms, and 9,952 landowners.
These figures demonstrate the expansion of the AKIS system's coverage in the regions and the growing need of farmers for scientific knowledge and innovation year after year.
Since soil and climatic conditions and cultivated crops vary in each region, agroservice centers pay primary attention to an individual approach. In 2025, specialists provided 128,277 on-site individual consultations, and in the first half of 2026, this figure was 29,578.
This expands opportunities to study problems on site, provide scientifically based recommendations, and offer specific practical solutions for producers.
An important aspect of the AKIS system is the harmonization of local scientific potential with international experience. In 2025, 1573 local scientists and 439 foreign experts were involved in the centers' activities, and in the first six months of 2026, 878 local scientists and 284 foreign specialists worked with farmers.
Thanks to the participation of these individuals in seminars and practical classes, modern technologies, innovative approaches, and advanced international experience are gradually being introduced into production. Furthermore, in 2025, 142,605 recommendation letters and 110,693 special brochures were distributed to inform farmers. In the first half of 2026, another 51,332 recommendation letters and 44,555 brochures were delivered.
Currently, agroservice centers widely apply innovative technologies in the most relevant areas of agriculture. Systematic work is being carried out to implement methods such as vernalization, soil fertility restoration using biochar, preparation of bokashi biofertilizers, introduction of carbon market mechanisms, and popularization of resource-saving agricultural technologies.
In addition, specialists have developed practical recommendations for growing agricultural crops on 71 topics, which are widely used in the regions.
Agroservice centers have now formed a vital institution ensuring the integration of science, education, and production. The results of 2025 and the indicators for the first half of 2026 clearly show the sustainable development of the AKIS system. This system allows scientific developments to reach every region, every farmer, and every field, becoming an important factor in the innovative development of the agricultural sector.
Most importantly, the integration of scientific achievements with production contributes to increasing farmers' knowledge and qualifications, rational resource use, increased yields, and strengthening the country's food security. This is one of the important strategic steps in forming a competitive and innovative agrarian economy of New Uzbekistan.
The Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan, Ozodbek Nazarbekov, addressed the SCO meeting in Cholpon-Ata, putting forward four proposals concerning culture, artificial intelligence, and the creative economy.
According to the minister, the SCO community, which unites over three billion people, is one of the largest cultural audiences in the world. However, Nazarbekov noted that violence, hatred, and false information are rapidly spreading on social networks, while national and positive cultural content remains unnoticed.
The topic of artificial intelligence was also raised: on one hand, it opens up new opportunities for popularizing cultural heritage, but on the other, it carries the risks of creating fake images, distorting historical facts, and producing works without the author's consent.
Uzbekistan proposed a number of measures. Among them are holding an annual competition among young bloggers, directors, and digital content creators from SCO countries; developing ethical norms for the use of artificial intelligence in art and culture; creating images of historical figures of SCO peoples using AI for their popularization through virtual museums, animations, and digital platforms; and launching an experience exchange program in the field of the creative economy.
In addition, Nazarbekov suggested transforming the SCO's cultural dialogue, which began in Namangan, into an interconnected mechanism of continuous cooperation.
The Islamic Republic of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps reported that a strike was carried out on a US military facility located in the Al-Tanf area of Syria on Saturday.
According to state media of the Islamic Republic, this attack was conducted as an act of retaliation for the deaths of local soldiers in Aranshahr. Official confirmation of this information is currently unavailable.
Reuters stated that it could not conduct an independent verification of the situation. US military forces and the Syrian government also made no comments on the matter. It was previously known that the American army had completely left the base in Al-Tanf, which was located at a strategic point on the border of Syria, Jordan, and Iraq in February of this year.
Currently, the Syrian leadership seeks to avoid interference in the regional conflict affecting neighboring states. It is known that Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon is engaged in combat operations against the Israeli army, while armed groups linked to Iran continuously strike US bases in Iraq with drones and missiles.
President Ahmad al-Sharrah emphasized at an event by the Chatham House analytical center in London in March that the country will remain aloof from any turmoil if neither side initiates direct attacks on Syrian territory.
Iranian military forces announced full control of the Strait of Hormuz by the Tehran command, which is of strategic importance. State media warns that if strikes from the US continue, no oil or gas exports will be permitted through this waterway.
An educated, knowledgeable, and proactive woman is considered the most important pillar of the spiritual character of any society, as well as a key element in strengthening the family and raising future generations. In New Uzbekistan, reforms aimed at improving the level of education for women and girls, enhancing their professional skills, and expanding their participation in state and societal governance are now showing results.
Events organized in state institutions are particularly significant because they contribute not only to enriching the knowledge and worldview of employees but also serve their personal development.
One such substantive event was the scientific and educational seminar on the topic 'The Educated Woman – A Mirror of Society,' which took place at the Customs Administration of Bukhara Region. Representatives of the 'Club of Female Entrepreneurs' under the Senate of the Supreme Majlis, the 'Oqila Ayollar' movement, the Regional Committee for Religious Affairs, and delegates from Bukhara Technical University participated in the seminar. Participants engaged in a comprehensive exchange of views on the invaluable role of an educated and knowledgeable woman in the development of the family, society, and state.
During the event, broad opportunities being created in the country to support women and girls, ensure their rights and interests, and facilitate their education, employment in entrepreneurship, and holding dignified positions in public service were discussed. It was emphasized that educated and dedicated women are becoming the driving force of social progress.
It was noted that the customs authorities pay close attention to ensuring gender equality, creating modern and decent working conditions for female employees, increasing their professional potential, and expanding their share in leadership positions. Lecturers urged female employees to constantly work on themselves, enhance their knowledge and qualifications, and master modern knowledge.
Furthermore, life advice was given regarding maintaining a balance between professional duties and family life, adopting a responsible approach to child-rearing, and continuous personal development. Practical training sessions involving qualified psychologists were organized within the framework of the seminar. Participants learned about modern approaches to maintaining mental stability, effective stress management, increasing labor productivity, positive thinking, and personal growth.
The seminar, held in the format of an open dialogue, was rich with questions, exchanges of opinions, and experiences, becoming a source of new knowledge and life lessons for the participants. Particular interest was drawn to the views expressed that an educated woman serves not only her home but also the spiritual elevation of the entire society.
