As it was mentioned earlier, the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) in Uzbekistan this year celebrated its 5-year anniversary. In the chronology of events in the life of our programme, many remember conference in May at the hotel "Redisson Blu". This conference could be called an official meeting and a kind of warm-up. It was planned to write scenario for a big meeting, to define roles, scenes and start to arrange it. In our case, the project specialists - they are playing the main roles - the trainers, who know their roles and responsibilities "by heart." SGP team early this year planned to celebrate the first five years of its operations gathering all the friends, colleagues, associates, and its core audience. During this time, the program has accumulated a lot of experience and knowledge, and it is time to share this knowledge with appreciative audience.
And on the eve of Independence Day and the Day of Knowledge, on 20-21 August a "Knowledge Fair -2013"was held in Tashkent. This time the door opened hospitable "alma mater of three elements - earth, water and air," the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Melioration. At this fair, our programme with partners presented its innovative technologies and shared knowledge about them. Everything went well and was well organized. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the SGP team expresses its acknowledgement to the rector's office of the Institute for the opportunity and assistance in organizing such an important event for us. Special thanks to Sultanov Tokhirjon, the vice rector of TIIM for his active participation in the organization of our fair.
The Fair was opened by the vice rector of TIIM on scientific researches, associate professor Sultanov Tokhirjon Zakirovich
Akramov Akmal Mahmudovich, Senator, representative of Committee on agrarian and ecological issues, a chief editor of “Toshkent Oqshomi” newspaper with an opening speech to the participants of the Fair
The fair is organized with the support of UNDP in Uzbekistan, State Committee for Nature Protection, "Ecosan" foundation, Uzhydromet, with the support and participation of the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Melioration, in cooperation with the Farmers Council of Uzbekistan, Khorezm Rural Advisory Support Service (KRASS), research centers, institutes and universities of the country. The main objective of the fair, which was held at the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Melioration, was to demonstrate the best practices of environmental management, the establishment of contacts between all interested parties on the rational, sustainable use of natural resources.
Participants of the fair - ecologists-professionals, academics, representatives of the key ministries and departments, NGOs, and farmers from all regions of the country, journalists had the opportunity to learn new and already successfully introduced developments and environmental innovations at the exhibition, launched in the hall of the Institute.
- Do you want to know about melioration in simple words? A book-manual is coming soon.
- My name is Alexander Morozov.
- I will be glad to see you on the release of the book.
A detailed information about the technologies was presented by their direct developers and executors during the presentations and training workshops that took place by agenda of the fair. The technologies and practices on effective land use and improvement of soil fertility, rational use of irrigation water with the use of efficient irrigation technologies, mini-technologies of production of alternative energy, sustainable use of biodiversity services and the potential of natural resources, overall 17 innovative technologies from different thematic areas of the GEF SGP in Uzbekistan were presented on the Fair. It included technologies that are successfully tested by the programme and widely introduced in the country and those that are yet to be tested for further use in the economy.
One of the large numbers of successful technologies implemented by the GEF SGP in Uzbekistan is the technology of producing biogas from animal waste. Technology presented at the fair is an effective alternative to the use of traditional energy sources. Currently, in many communities with conventional energy sources, there are problems, so there is a need to implement, especially in rural areas, alternative sources of energy. One of the options for use of alternative sources of energy is - biogas installation working on the production of animal waste, household garbage and uneaten food. The biogas technology is the most effective use in farms that practice livestock housing.
About biogas from Irina Dergacheva
Contemporary biogas installations let to obtain valuable organic fertilizer and biogas (mainly methane) from animal waste and domestic waste. The use of biogas installation leads to a waste-free, environmentally friendly processing of organic agricultural waste (manure, litter, sewage, solid waste, food waste, crop residues) from the existing cattle and pigs in a gas fuel - biogas, further convertible into electrical and thermal energy.
Just after the manure an environmentally friendly solid organic fertilizers are received, that are lack of nitrates and nitrites, weed seeds, pathogenic microflora, helminths eggs, specific odors. Fertilizer processed from agricultural waste and manure, has an effect on the plant immediately after treatment, reduces the acidity of the soil, and increases plant resistance to adverse environment, especially in drought. This fertilizer can be used in all climate zones for all types of soil, improving its fertility and improving the ecological condition.
- Irina Dergacheva – “Biogas installations – an alternative source of environmentally clean energy, energy of the future” (in Russian)
As it was noted, the presentations of technologies on combating land degradation and improve their condition, the changing climate, shortage of water and other modern conditions lead to unfavorable consequences. In this regard, an actual introduction of innovative technologies helps to protect the soil, restore its fertility and conserve resources. These are technologies that have demonstrated their efficiency in Uzbekistan and are relevant to the implementation of daily routine, there was a well-known zero tillage technology widely used in the world.
A region in Karakalpakstan was chosen for testing of this technology, the scale of land degradation is one of the most prevailing among other regions of the country. This technology as a part of SGP project "Implementation of soil conservation technologies" has been tested in Kanlykol district of the country. Zero tillage - is a direct sowing along the stubble and crop residues (mulch) of the last harvest with no tillage, using drill with disc shovels designed for this purpose. It is aimed at restoring and maintaining of soil fertility through natural processes in the soil.
Zero tillage technology allows you to restore the humus content in the soil to raise the soil fertility through crop residues, reduce the seasonal accumulation of salts due to moisture conservation, to raise the productivity of the soil, retaining its mineral and nutrients from wind and water erosion, raise the biological activity of the soil, reduce the number of mechanical treatments that reduce energy and labor costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce production costs of produced items.
- Bakhitbay Aybergenov – “Conservation agriculture on irrigated lands of Karakalpakstan liable to salinization” (in Russian)
The results of the project on the introduction of technology of phytomelioration of lands were also presented at the fair and were introduced by Dr. A.Tileumuratov from Karakalpakstan. This is a new and effective approach improves the fertility and productivity of the land. Introduction of this method without violation of the requirements on planting of major crops (cotton and wheat) can help to solve the problem of irrational use of land and water, secondary salinization and loss of productivity of soils. This conservation system is highly productive for increasing soil fertility, moisture conservation and increase of forage for livestock.
The essence of the practice is the introduction of an existing crop rotation (cotton, wheat) of legumes. The methods of betweencrop sowing of legume-cereal mixture were used in the autumn-winter period between the landing of the main crop (cotton) and the combined seeding of lucerne under cover of winter wheat. The technology must abide a continuous chain, where the soil is constantly living under the protection of vegetation and is fed by its organics.
- In general, the “Knowledge Fair" was successful and fruitful, - thinks Nasriddin Khalilov, the professor of plant growing chair of Samarkand Agricultural Institute. All submitted papers and presentations were devoted to topical issues of the environment and agriculture. In our opinion, farmers and practitioners were particularly interested in saving technologies of cultivation of agricultural crops, including zero tillage, intensive fodder crop rotation, cultivation of indigo, pistachios in the foothill areas, beekeeping and many other topics and trends. In our opinion, the holding of such knowledge fairs is useful not only for farmers but also for the managers of agricultural enterprises, educational institutions, agronomists, livestock specialists, ecologists, students from universities, etc.
Professor N. Khalilov presented technology of 4-field crop rotation of fodder at the fair. This technology allows for more efficient use of land for fodder production with simultaneous restoration of soil fertility and preventing their further degradation.
- Nasriddin Khalilov from Samarkand Agricultural Institute – 4-field crop rotation of fodder crops (in Russian)
A senior scientist of the Republican Research and Production Center of Ornamental Horticulture and Forestry (RRPC OH and F) Lyutsian Nikolyai tells about pistachio seedlings and attendance activities after planting on a constant growth point.
Lead researcher of RRPC OH and F, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences Galina Chernova at overtime .... Just about pistachio ...
The well-proven and widely spread after the introduction technologies includes technology of planting pistachio plantations on arid foothills. Pistachio is the most economically attractive for the production of crops on arid foothills. In Uzbekistan, more than 400,000 hectares of such lands - in 9 out of 12 regions of the country. In such areas, as a rule, famers are engaged in dry farming, grow oilseeds, wheat or bred cattle. Productivity of such lands is very low. High level of overgrazing is a common and widespread problem that reduces to zero any attempt to re-vegetation of any tree and the majority of stem plants.
The lack of vegetation is the first driver of land degradation and destruction of fertile land and, therefore, results in a loss of income. In 2009 the first project was launched. It has helped to create more than 50 hectares of pistachio plantations. In 2011, on the basis of existing plantations in Gallyaral district in Jizzakh region a "point of growth" was created for the pistachio business. Later, project on creation of the next point of growth in Andijan for the whole Fergana Valley has started. Today, the seedlings of young pistachio can be found in Jizzakh, Kashkadarya and Andijan regions. The number of pistachios self-planted by farmers along the country is growing every day.
Commercial plantations of pistachios as the most effective method of land use in the arid foothills was successfully tested and verified. We can surely say that the establishment of plantations of pistachio and high yields could help to transform this kind of farming in Uzbekistan on commercial path. Natural conditions and opportunities of Uzbekistan quietly allow to take the lead on the production and export of pistachio on the world market.
Evgeniy Botman – “Pistachio plantations – a new solution on effective use of land in arid foothills of Uzbekistan” (in Russian)
About real fish and aquaculture with a real interest.
Another technology promoted by SGP is the technology of breeding of fish in the recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). The area of natural ponds in Uzbekistan is not huge and availability for establishment of new artificial ponds is almost in lack. So now in Uzbekistan under such conditions a relevant technology is the technology of fish farming in RAS. This technology involves breeding of warm-water and tropical fish with a capacity of 40 kg/m3 (1000 times higher than the cultivation of fish in fish farms), regardless of the presence of land drainage or existence of a pond.
The technology involves the creation of concrete (inexpensive) pools indoors. The area varies depending on the size of the aquaculture plant, but it can be located even in the center of a city, on a small plot of land directly close to the consumers. To ensure the operation of the plant it is necessary to create a water system for its circulation with pump that allows re-use of water in a closed cycle. Providing installation with a filtration system helps the compliance of water quality control for fish breeding. Water heating system, to maintain a stable temperature throughout the year, excludes seasonality and allows a growth in weight of fish throughout the year. Providing a balanced diet of breeding fish lets an optimal weight gain of fish.
Bakhtiyar Kamilov – “Technologies of intensive aquaculture and their perspectives in Uzbekistan” (in Russian)
“Sun tea” from Yuriy Mun!
Yuriy Mun is telling about alternative technologies to the audience of NTT channel. In particular, about how to boil a kettle and without any expense of conventional energy and about how to "survive in the desert and still stay a hospitable person "
Another "flag" technology presented at the fair was the technology of drip irrigation and in particular production technology of drip irrigation systems adapted for Uzbekistan, for orchards and production of traditional crops such as cotton and wheat. The technology has been tested and its production has recently started within the framework of the project in Uychi district of Namangan region.
Drip irrigation technology is in the process of its implementation. The GEF SGP in assistance of UNDP will continue to promote the dissemination of this technology across the country. Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) for farmers has been made, a work on a cost-benefit analysis in terms of alleged government spending on the implementation of technology is under implementation. Preliminary results of the CBA show that the introduction of rebates and “tax holidays” in the presence of technology can promote the widespread dissemination and introduction of this technology in the country. Such conditions can significantly stimulate the sector of cultivating fruit and vegetables, but in addtion, it is necessary to ensure conditions for wider dissemination of technology for mass crops such as cotton and wheat.
The producer of drip irrigation systems adapted for Uzbekistan for cotton, wheat and orchards, Head of “Jamoliddin Sardor Hamkor” farming enterprise – Abdulvohid Boltabayev is telling enthusiastically about advantages of drip irrigation system and benefits of its introduction.
- I'm incredibly happy for invitation and participation in the Knowledge Fair of the Global Environment Facility’s Small Grants Programme, - Abdulvohid Boltabayev, the head of "Jamoliddin Sador Hamkor" farming enterprise, says. I express my gratitude to all the organizers. At the Knowledge Fair along with familiarity with the new achievements on the development path of our country, I also made new friends.
The population of our country increases from year to year, and we have to look for new methods of producing high yields in agriculture without turning from the path on conservation of natural resources and the environment. It would be a very important application in the presence of the modern cultivation of agricultural plants invented by scientists of the Institute of Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences and presented biological preparation “Serhosil” at the fair." This biological preparation is necessary to provide to all the farmers of our country - says A. Boltabayev.
- At the fair, during my presentation a specialist from the Ministry of Finance asked me questions, and after I finished the lecture and went out into the street, he followed me, and we continued to talk with him. He said that at present, the attutudes of our farmers to new technologies is not very good. I told him that in order for farmers to know about new technologies and want to implement them on their lands it is necessary to hold demonstration training activities in the fields - said Abdulvohid Boltabayev. And at the end of his speech Abdulvohid Boltabayev wished good health and success in starting charitable and useful activities to the organizers of the fair.
Abdulvohid Boltabayev – “Drip irrigation is a necessity for agriculture in Uzbekistan” (in Russian)
Another technology presented at the fair was the technology of restoration of the bottom of irrigation channels with insulation of the plastic coverage. This technology has aroused great interest among the participants of the fair and listeners of the lecture. There were questions, arguments and proposals. In Uzbekistan this technology was first introduced in Khorezm region, within the framework of the SGP project and Yangiaryk Water Users Association. Currently, this innovative approach is tested and its implementation has already paid off and the technology has shown significant effect. Excellent index on saving water - the method proved to be almost twice as effective in comparison to when the water for irrigation is taken from the normal channel. In the typical channel the water is lost for infiltration into the soil and requires the pumps to feed. In this case, the channel bottom plan is isolated and is going to be with the slope so that water is not lost and is fed by gravity, which in turn eliminates the use of pumps and any other costs associated with its use.
Currently, the analysis of the costs and benefits of technology is implemented. Compared with channels, where concrete insulation of bottom was executed and is going, the introduction of this technology in order to modernize the existing ones and construction of new channels can bring huge cost savings to the country. The introduction of technology locally can save money of Water Users Associations and of direct water users - farmers. But, as with any innovation this technological method must pass the test of time and now it is under test.
All about innovative isolation of channels and of the results of its implementation were presented at the knowledge fair - a senior researcher of NGO "KRASS" from Khorezm Inna Rudenko and candidate of technical sciences, engineer and hydrologist Khijyaz Jabbarov. After the fair, they shared their impressions and comments, and told us the following:
- During the seminar on our technology there were questions and mostly of a technical nature - says Khijyaz Jabbarov. - Which tape is suitable for insulation? How many microns? How long will this technology serve? Don’t the tape is drifted, especially from the sides of the channel? Wouldn’t it be problematic to remove a muddying by digger? Is it true that pumps are not required after the isolation?
Next, Inna Rudenko told about recommendations from participants of the seminar:
- Participants were asked to continue monitoring of isolated channels to establish long-term effects. The workshop was attended by specialists in the field of banking services, who advised the developers of this technology to prepare a feasibility study and work plan for inclusion of technology of plastic insulation of the channel bottom to the project "On the restoration of the irrigation system of Tashsak" with participation of the Islamic Development Bank. The irrigation system of "Tashsak" is the largest of the four irrigation systems in Khorezm region and therefore is of particular importance for the region. Workshop participants also noted that it is necessary to bring the benefits and advantages of this technology to the municipality of Khorezm and other stakeholders - said Inna Rudenko in conclusion.
Inna Rudenko – “Isolation of channel bottom with plastic coverage: advantages, calculations, perspectives (by example of Khorezm region)” (in Russian)
The farmer of Kitab district of Kashkadarya region, presented the technology of construction and use of energy-efficient greenhouse. This greenhouse, heated by the sun's radiant energy, which is converted into heat energy required for the growth of greenhouse seedlings. This design allows you to capture greenhouse solar radiation in an amount sufficient to bring the process of photosynthesis and microclimate inside the greenhouse according to the conditions necessary for year-round cultivation of vegetables and herbs, including, in the winter of the year with temperatures of +5 +15 ° C.
To the question, what are the advantages of such greenhouse over the conventional the farmer replied: - The benefits of this greenhouse are very good. In 2013, I planted young 2-year-old lemon seedlings and pepper between the rows. I received the income from grown pepper, fruit lemons will soon begin to bear. This greenhouse is powered by solar energy, if for heating greenhouse with the square 100 square meters per season (cold season) up to 4-5 tons of coal is burn, then during the maintenance of this greenhouse we get the savings of these funds. Here I want to point out the fact that with the use of such greenhouses a felling of trees for firewood is prevented. I hope that this technology will, together with the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of firewood and fuel in the atmosphere and the preservation of the environment, will also help to reduce the cost of market prices for the products of greenhouses that will allow people to save and improve other areas of his life - said farmer A. Ashurov.
Abdumurod Ashurov – “Energy-efficient greenhouses” (in Russian)
Rustamjon Tashmatov is talking about the possibilities of mini-technologies of power generation and the currency of technology for livelihood of remote areas.
- Our enterprise is in Andijan region, launched a HES - Zavrak1. We passed a lot of difficulties and problems on this way. In many ways, we were supported by the GEF Small Grants Programme operating in the country, we have a joint project. Currently, the SGP is working on the issue of purchasing the generator for our HES - Zavrak1 with power of 200 kW - says Rustamjon Tashmatov.
During the lecture on micro-hydropower it has been said much about the difficulties of introduction of this technology, its adaptation to the local area and for the people themselves, including decision-makers. The development of micro-hydropower and existing difficulties with power supply in the region has a lot of questions from the audience. We have tried to share our experience.
What would you think the introduction of this technology and the launch of a 200 kW power plant give? - At present, the rural area, including our region is experiencing difficulties with electricity. Existing facilities on the background of population growth is not enough. As for the winter period, then there are no general conditions, often there is no electricity. And here, if we launch hydropower with capacity 200 kW due to the financial support, on average, we will be able to provide the nearby villages Zavrak and Yanghi Tulkin with electricity. Infrastructure will improve, new jobs could be created and the main problem could be decided - the problem of the leaving the villages by young people. Young people from these villages will not disperse to other places for searching of work, because there will be noticeable changes. The life is getting better and equipped with modern amenities, new job places will be available and young people will not look for other places to inhabit. They will begin to settle down, to live and work for the good of their families and our country.
What kind of benefits after the introduction into production of generator of 200 kW, can you tell as a specialist? - Speaking of the indirect benefits of generating electricity, I can say with certainty that the creation of conditions for life and work will promote the intellectual development of the local people esp. young people. Where electricity is, there will be a development!
What are your plans for the future? - power system Available in our disposal is a cascade one. They are built one after the other. In Uzbekistan, there are many places with such stations. But we have another task ahead. We have one GES - Zavrak2, which is five times more powerful than the previous one. It also needs to start now, and we are now "tighten our belts" and our task is, by all means, to run this plant. If Zavrak2 is to be launched, all villages in the district, on a regular basis (it should be noted with capital letters) - on a permanent basis will be supplied with electricity.
This in turn will contribute to the further improvement and conservation of the environment and life in general. Such technology will provide clean energy to the population, there will be no need to burn fuel for energy production, cut down trees for firewood, people's lives will improve. Running of this GES will be the key to a healthy life, a healthy environment and improvement of the living standards for the local population - said in conclusion R. Toshmatov.
Rustam Tashmatov – “Zavrak GES” Andijan. Opportunities and perspectives of micropower (in Russian)
A technology of the intake of a new biological product SERHOSIL for domestic agriculture is among the technologies to be tested, the use of which contributes to a significant improvement of the microbiological and biochemical processes in the soil and as a result increase the productivity of our lands.
- Agriculture is now universally fallen on hard times. To politicians and managers of land resources in the world, it is the question of how to provide food for the increasing population of the planet in the presence of a fixed amount of land and water resources, with the ongoing processes of degradation and reduction of fertility. This problem generally results in a number of specific objectives for agriculture: how to increase crop yields, how to improve, or at least not lose the quality of the products, how to reduce the cost and increase the profitability of agricultural production? - Doctor of Biological Sciences says, Senior Researcher of the laboratory of soil microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, Gulnara Djumaniyazova.
Gulnara Djumaniyazova is telling about advantages of a new biopreparation “SERHOSIL”
A surprising fact was that one of the means by which the above mentioned problems of agriculture could be solved is algae. More precisely, the use of new environmentally safe growth-promoting biological preparation Serhosil based on green algae Scenedesmus. In practice, we found that in the presence of the application of a biological preparation Serhosil an acceleration and increase of the percentage of field germinating abilities happened, accelerated ripening for 10-15 days and increased productivity - says Gulnara Dzhumaniyazova.
Gulnara Djumaniyazova – “New biopreparation SERHOSIL”
Land laser leveling. The technology with the broad implementation and use only in Khorezm region could bring more than 18 million US dollars of net income per year. Currently further work on expanding of the scale of technology implementation throughout Uzbekistan is under implementation.
Oybek Egamberdiev – “Technology of laser leveling”
The above-mentioned technologies, along with others after the implementation and testing by the SGP have proved its favor, widespread dissemination among farmers, population and other users of natural resources. To date, these technologies are pacing the country, repeating the first experience, covering more and more hectares of lands, conserve resources and the environment, contribute to the sustainable economic development of the regions and the country as a whole.
Presentations
Next, you are kindly welcome to review presentation on other technologies:
Shavkat Yakubov from Scientific-Information Center of the Interstate Coordination Water Commission of the Central Asia (SIC ICWC) – “1 day irrigation – savings of water anf its rational distribution among farmers”;
Islom Bayjanov – “Energy saving heating systems for private homes and villas for prevention felling of forests in Low Amu Darya region”;
Islom Bayjanov – “Promotion of producing the fuel slugs from vegetative and agro-industrial wastes in Low Amu Darya region for preventing felling of forests”;
Abdi-Kadir Ergashev – “Coultivation and biotechnology of Indigofera on degraded lands of Aral sea region”;
Alexander Morozov – presentation of the book for farmers “Just about melioration of lands”;
Evgeniy Botman – “Forest belts for preservation of fertile soil layer and prevention of erosion”;
