DUSHANBE, 09.05.2026 /NIAT “Khovar”/. On May 11, the 35th Regional Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for Europe and Central Asia will open at the “Kohi Somon” in Dushanbe. In the context of this conference, a NIAT “Khovar” journalist spoke with the Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Tajikistan, Nigina Anvari.
What issues in the agricultural sector will be discussed at the 35th FAO Conference?
The selection of Dushanbe as the host city of the 35th Regional Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for Europe and Central Asia (May 11–15, 2026) is evidence of recognition of the wise policy and international standing of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, as well as Tajikistan’s key role in strengthening food security.
This high-level event reflects the global community’s trust in Tajikistan’s pursued policy and its active contribution to sustainable agricultural development and environmental protection.
The FAO Regional Conference, held every two years, is the organization’s highest governing body in the region and determines strategic priorities and agro-food policy.
Within this high-level event, the following important and strategic issues will be discussed:
Strengthening sustainable and inclusive agri-food systems
The central issue is the integration of climate change mitigation measures, biodiversity protection, and land restoration in agriculture. The conference will consider pathways toward production systems that not only ensure food supply but also preserve natural resources for future generations.
Innovation, science and digitalization (YSInvest format)
Within the side events of the Conference, including the Youth, Science and Innovation Investment Forum (YSInvest), the use of modern technologies, artificial intelligence, and digitalization in agriculture will be discussed. This direction is of primary importance for attracting youth into the sector and increasing labor productivity.
Water–Energy–Food–Ecosystem Nexus (WEFE Nexus)
Given Tajikistan’s global initiatives in the field of water, the interconnection between water resource management and agricultural development will have a special place at the Conference. This is especially important for Central Asian countries under conditions of water scarcity and climate change.
Financing of value-added chains
Participants will discuss attracting direct investment into agriculture, creating “investment bridges,” and transitioning from raw material production to full processing in order to increase export potential.
Role of women in agriculture
Considering that 2026 has been declared the “International Year of Women Farmers,” a special event will be held in Dushanbe focusing on strengthening the rights and opportunities of rural women and their role in ensuring food security.
Impact of global factors on food security
Political sessions of the Conference will analyze the impact of geopolitical conditions, disruptions in supply chains, and reduced access to fertilizers and agricultural machinery in the Europe and Central Asia region, and will seek joint solutions.
Overall, the 35th FAO Conference in Dushanbe will create favorable conditions for developing a new regional “Roadmap” toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including “Zero Hunger.”
Within the Conference, what joint FAO projects for livestock and horticulture development will be discussed?
The main objective of the 35th FAO Regional Conference in Dushanbe is the transition of the region’s agricultural sector from technical assistance to a full transformation of agri-food systems. This process is based on FAO’s four strategic pillars — the “Four Betters”: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life.
Within the strategic cooperation between the Republic of Tajikistan and FAO, the following livestock and horticulture projects are considered national priorities:
Horticulture is one of Tajikistan’s key export-oriented sectors, and projects are aimed at strengthening value chains:
“One Country – One Priority Product” (OCOP) initiative:
Within this global initiative, Tajikistan has selected apricot as a strategic product. The project focuses on a full “farm-to-fork” value chain analysis, introducing modern drying and packaging technologies, and adapting products to international export standards, particularly for European markets.
Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS):
Tajikistan presents its traditional horticultural practices (such as mountain orchards in the Pamirs and Rasht Valley) as examples of sustainable resource management and biodiversity conservation. This contributes to agro-tourism development and international recognition of national ecological products.
The main goal is ensuring biosecurity and increasing productivity:
One Health approach:
This strategic initiative integrates human, animal, and ecosystem health. It focuses on combating transboundary diseases (such as foot-and-mouth disease and brucellosis) and strengthening veterinary laboratory capacity.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) control:
A project aimed at monitoring antibiotic use in livestock, directly linked to meat and dairy quality and public health.
Sustainable pasture management:
Climate-Smart Livestock initiatives include rehabilitation of pastures and introduction of improved feeding practices in mountainous regions.
Hand-in-Hand initiative:
Uses geospatial data and mapping to identify high-potential agricultural zones and attract foreign investment into Tajikistan’s agricultural sector.
YSInvest Forum (Youth, Science, Innovation, Investment):
Encourages youth and researchers to develop innovative agricultural projects and attract green investment into agribusiness.
Support for women farmers:
Considering that 2026 is declared the International Year of Women Farmers by FAO, joint projects will strengthen rural women’s economic empowerment and access to financial and technological resources.
The 35th FAO Conference is not only a diplomatic event for Tajikistan but also an important platform for showcasing export potential and attracting advanced technologies to modernize agriculture.
During the conference, what issues will participating countries discuss regarding food security under climate change and drought conditions?
In the context of increasing climate threats, the ministers of agriculture of member states will focus on the concept of “Uniting for Sustainability.” The main issues include:
What water-use efficiency projects will Tajikistan present within the Conference?
As a country with global initiatives in water issues, Tajikistan will present the following agriculture-focused projects:
WEFE Nexus (Water–Energy–Food–Ecosystem Nexus):
A regional integrated water resource management concept linking agricultural water use with energy needs and environmental protection.
Smart irrigation technologies:
Introduction of drip irrigation and automated water distribution systems, reducing water consumption by up to 40%.
Basin management approach:
Transition to river basin-based water management involving local communities and farmers in allocation planning.
Green economy in irrigation:
Modernization of irrigation systems using renewable energy sources, such as solar-powered pumps.
Hand-in-Hand water mapping initiative:
Use of FAO geospatial platforms to identify drought-prone areas and attract investment in water infrastructure.
These proposals allow Tajikistan not only to address domestic challenges but also to act as a key global dialogue hub on water and food security.
What role can FAO play in implementing Tajikistan’s State Greening Program until 2040?
The adoption of the State Greening Program of the Republic of Tajikistan until 2040 is a wise and globally significant initiative of the Leader of the Nation, and FAO acts as a key strategic partner in its implementation.
Alignment with the “Better Environment” strategy: FAO provides technical and advisory support for land restoration and biodiversity conservation.
Mobilization of green investment: During the 35th Regional Conference in Dushanbe, a special event titled “The Investment Bridge” will present Tajikistan’s green opportunities to international financial institutions and climate funds.
Hand-in-Hand initiative: FAO supports geospatial mapping to identify priority areas for tree planting, improving the effectiveness of the greening program.
How is cooperation between educational and scientific institutions and FAO organized for introducing new cultivation methods?
Scientific and educational cooperation is one of the key pillars of Tajikistan–FAO relations:
YSInvest platform:
Within the Conference, a special forum “Generation YSInvest” will be held at the Tajik Agrarian University named after Shirinsho Shotemur, providing a platform for dialogue between young scientists and FAO experts.
Farmer Field Schools (FFS):
This FAO-supported method transfers scientific knowledge directly to farms, teaching smart agriculture, drip irrigation, and climate-resilient seed use.
OCOP initiative:
Scientific institutions develop advanced apricot cultivation techniques to improve productivity and export quality.
Digitalization of science:
FAO supports the Agricultural Digitalization and Innovation Center, enabling the use of satellite data for crop monitoring and yield forecasting.
This cooperation supports the transition of Tajikistan’s agriculture from traditional methods to scientific and innovative agriculture, ensuring long-term food security.
Zarangizi Latif,
NIAT “Khovar”