Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) handed over laboratory equipment valued at $205,000 to the Plant Protection and Quarantine Agency (PPQA) of Uzbekistan in a ceremony held in Tashkent. This donation is part of USAID’s ongoing support to strengthen Uzbekistan’s agricultural health infrastructure.
The new equipment, featuring advanced technology for secure data management, enhanced network security, and improved information processing will be used at the PPQA’s Central Phytosanitary Laboratory. It will enhance the agency’s ability to analyze the plant health, ensuring that Uzbekistan meets international agricultural standards under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).
Speaking at the handover ceremony, USAID Deputy Mission Director in Uzbekistan Edward Michalski emphasized,
“The U.S. Government, through USAID, is proud to be a trusted partner in advancing Uzbekistan’s economic development. A key part of our collaboration is supporting the enhancement of plant protection standards across the country.” “Today marks an important milestone in our partnership with the Uzbek Plant Protection and Quarantine Agency. Together, we are taking a crucial step toward modernizing Uzbekistan’s plant protection systems and raising the country’s agricultural standards to new heights.”
Uzbekistan’s recent membership in the IPPC reflects the country’s commitment to aligning its agricultural practices with global standards. The new equipment will play a key role in achieving laboratory accreditation under the IPPC, which will help reduce diagnostic errors and speed up the analysis of plant health. This is an important step toward improving food safety and plant protection in Uzbekistan as well as enhancing trade standards with international partners.
The digital upgrades bring numerous benefits, including automated data collection, more accurate results and faster, more efficient information exchange. The secure system will also ensure that only authorized stakeholders have access to data, allowing for timely decision-making while maintaining data confidentiality. The automation of processes will reduce human error, increase the reliability of results and enhance the overall performance of Uzbekistan’s phytosanitary operations.
This donation represents a significant step toward improving Uzbekistan’s agricultural safety, enhancing global trade, and protecting its natural resources. With these new tools, Uzbekistan is better equipped to meet international agricultural standards and support its growing role in global markets.
