Today the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with the Ministry of Innovative Development of Uzbekistan, announced a call for concept papers from entrepreneurs and private domestic enterprises to co-finance innovative products and services in the agribusiness and agritourism sectors. 

GPS agriculture, satellite and drone imagery, automated harvesting, and various mobile applications are just a few of the recent innovative developments in the global agriculture sector. Innovations allow agribusinesses to thrive and increase productivity and profitability, add value to products, and ensure environmental sustainability. 

To stimulate implementation of innovative solutions in Uzbekistan’s agriculture sector, USAID through its Agribusiness Development activity and the Ministry of Innovative Development will co-invest in innovative agribusiness and agritourism startups and existing enterprises in rural areas to increase regional and international trade, as well as empower women and youth, and support applied research. Finalists will receive new technologies valued at up to UZS 800 million to introduce new value-added products and services.

The deadline for the submission of applications is May 1, 2022. The announcement and concept paper template are available for download here.

The initiative is supported by USAID’s five-year Agribusiness Development activity, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan, that supports private sector-led growth in Uzbekistan’s agriculture sector by introducing new value-added technologies and management practices across the entire value chain for targeted agricultural commodities. These efforts are focused on increasing value-added production within Uzbekistan, engaging women and youth, linking educational institutions with private sector demand, and promoting favorable policies for agriculture.