The Government of Uzbekistan, in partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has launched a five-year research initiative aimed at tackling one of the country’s most pressing environmental challenges — soil salinization.
The project will introduce advanced agro-technologies and utilize innovative natural fertilizers to restore soil fertility and increase yields of key crops.
This cooperation was first discussed during a meeting in December 2024 between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. The implementation will be led by the Soil Composition and Quality Analysis Center under Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Agriculture.
The study will focus on the cotton–wheat–corn crop rotation system, with polyhalite — a natural mineral fertilizer rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur — as the core solution. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, polyhalite is an environmentally friendly product that aligns with global sustainable farming practices.
Currently, a significant portion of irrigated land in Uzbekistan is affected by salinization, leading to yield losses and reduced farm profitability. The project is expected not only to halt the process but also to gradually restore soil fertility.
Ultimately, farmers will benefit from science-based recommendations that will help them adapt to new environmental realities and improve agricultural efficiency.
