Shaodatkhan Oripova’s greenhouse, nestled in the heart of Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley, has transformed from a modest structure into a high-tech farming hub. Equipped with digital sensors connected to the internet, the 62-year-old farmer now has real-time control over temperature, humidity, light, and soil moisture levels in her greenhouse. This digital integration is not just a technological marvel but a significant leap towards sustainable agriculture, presenting a promising opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs.
From Traditional to Digital: A Farming Evolution
Oripova, a seasoned farmer and mother of three, recalls the days when a large portion of her income went towards utility bills and fertilizers. Her farm, which grows herbs, tomatoes, lemons, corn, and clover, now operates with enhanced efficiency thanks to the digital sensors. These sensors alert her via mobile phone whenever conditions in the greenhouse require attention, allowing her to manage resources more effectively and reduce operational costs.
This summer, faced with extreme heat and water shortages, the sensors proved invaluable. While other farmers suffered significant losses, Oripova’s smart management enabled her to maintain production levels close to those of the previous year. Her experience underscores the resilience and adaptability that digital agriculture can bring to traditional farming.
Empowering Farmers through Technology
Oripova’s journey is part of the FAO’s “Smart Farming for Future Generations” project, closely linked to the “1000 Digital Villages” initiative launched in the Uzbek settlements of Navkent and Yuksalish in 2023. This flagship program aims to transform at least 1,000 villages worldwide into rural digital hubs. By introducing digital technologies and inclusive approaches, the initiative seeks to combat hunger, poverty, and inequality, empowering local communities to thrive in the digital age.
In addition to benefiting farmers, the FAO initiative offers educational programs for local youth. These programs include coding camps where young people learn to create devices equipped with smart sensors. The highlight of these educational efforts was a hackathon held under the “1000 Digital Villages” initiative in November, fostering innovation and practical skills among the participants.
Community Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
Regular innovation workshops, known as “living labs,” provide farmers, experts, and innovators with a platform to exchange knowledge and experiences. These sessions address various challenges, such as heating greenhouses during winter and managing water scarcity. Through such collaborative efforts, farmers like Oripova can explore solutions tailored to their specific needs, enhancing their capacity to adapt to changing conditions.
As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, Oripova remains hopeful for further innovations that could benefit her greenhouse. She anticipates the development of smart irrigation systems and renewable energy solutions, which would further optimize her operations and promote sustainability.
Scaling Up Digital Agriculture
The FAO’s commitment to working closely with local communities to understand their challenges and desired outcomes is pivotal in the ongoing digital transformation of agriculture. By identifying the most suitable agricultural technologies and supporting farmers through the transition, the FAO aims to expand the “1000 Digital Villages” initiative across Central Asia and beyond.
Shaodatkhan Oripova’s success story in the Fergana Valley serves as a testament to the potential of digital agriculture. For investors and entrepreneurs seeking promising opportunities in the agricultural sector, her greenhouse stands as a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and growth.
