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7MODERN APPROACHES TO CHANGING THE STRUCTURE OF AGRICULTURE: INNOVATION AND
DIGITALIZATION
Professor Nozim MUMINOV ALFRAGANUS UNIVERSITY ORCID: 0000-0002-4376-9683
Abstract. The article examines the stages of implementation of the initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for the digitalization of rural settlements in particular and the agricultural sector in general. Within the framework of this program, projects on the digitalization of agriculture are being implemented in the countries of Europe, the Caucasus and Asia. The main goal of the project is to increase labor productivity in agriculture, as well as improve the living conditions of rural residents. The object of the project is a site (area, village) determined by the country participating in the project. And in the implementation of the project, of course, after a thorough study of the potential and condition of the allocated site, universities, research institutes, non-governmental organizations or recognized suppliers of agricultural technologies, start-ups, etc. The primary stage in the implementation of the project is the initial demonstration of the introduced innovation on the ground. If approved, the project continues as planned. Possible solutions for digital agriculture include, but are not limited to, agrometeorological stations, precision agriculture technologies, decision support and farm management systems, animal health tracking devices, robots and many more based on information and communication technologies and applied to agricultural production, harvesting and post-harvest processing. The article also analyzes the features of digitalization of the agricultural sector in various countries of the world and the application of positive experience in Uzbekistan.
Key words: digitalization, agricultural sector, FAO, world experience, digital technologies, ecology.
introduction.
Agriculture plays an important role in the economy. It employs 44% of the total population of 33 million people. The sector has an annual growth rate of 1.7% and accounts for 18% of GDP. Agriculture provides jobs for approximately 15 million people, many of whom are underemployed. The main crop grown in Uzbekistan is cotton, followed by wheat, barley, rice, corn, potatoes, vegetables and fruits. However, cotton and winter wheat occupy 80% of the total area of irrigated land.
In light of achieving food security, wheat has become the second most important agricultural crop after cotton; The area of irrigated land has increased significantly and currently reaches more than 1.4 million hectares, including rainfed lands. The expansion of cultivated areas has become an incentive for the introduction of modern production technologies, such as the use of improved varieties, certified seeds and better agronomic cultivation methods. Due to population growth, further advancement of agricultural research is required to improve yields and increase production. Recently, there has been a surge in investment in intensive crop production related to the production of fruits and vegetables. The agricultural policy developed by the Government of Uzbekistan aims to promote diversification of farming systems and environmentally friendly production systems offering high-quality products with greater access to markets.
Uzbekistan has achieved good results in agriculture and has achieved not only food self-sufficiency, but also great potential for the export of many agricultural products, including vegetables, fruits and wheat. The diverse topography of Uzbekistan determines the most favorable regions for growing various food and industrial crops. However, significant environmental problems exist, driven by challenges such as increased wind and water erosion, downstream sedimentation and deterioration of water quality, loss of biodiversity, and loss of natural habitats. The government of Uzbekistan has recognized the scale of the country's environmental problems; Thus, its main goal is to strengthen the agricultural sector without depleting natural resources while overcoming structural constraints within the framework of the economic development strategy. In this regard, one potential avenue to help achieve this goal is to promote environmentally friendly and sustainable production systems that offer high-quality products with greater market access.
Crop production in Uzbekistan is largely carried out under irrigated conditions, and only to some
extent, under rain-fed conditions. Wheat and cotton are the most important agricultural crops in irrigated areas. These two crops are grown either continuously or with alternating crops, sequentially. In Uzbekistan, there was an expansion of the area of winter wheat on irrigated lands, which was aimed at ensuring the country's food security. As a result of this, grain production in Uzbekistan has increased almost 20 times over the past decade, with the main increase associated with wheat production. In Uzbekistan, wheat production increased by more than 600%, reaching about 8.1 million metric tons. On the other hand, cotton production decreased to about 21% due to a decrease in the planted area (Table 1). Fruits and vegetables are also becoming important in some regions as private markets expand.
Most advances in cotton and wheat production are based on highly resource-intensive technologies, including water, seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, etc., that are not sustainable on a long-term basis.
Table 1.
Dynamics of sown areas in Uzbekistan (O'zbekiston Respub ikasining, 2021)
2011 2013 2015 2017 2019 2020
Total sown area 3601,6 3658,6 3694,2 3474,5 3309,4 3396,1
cluding:
Cereals 1607,4 1643,9 1671,1 1655,6 1578,3 1646,2
Industrial crops 1386,0 1380,1 1368,8 1253,3 1099,5 1115,9
of which cotton 1329,2 1308,8 1298,1 1201,2 1050,6 1062,3
Potatoes and
vegetable and 295,1 318,9 327,3 322,2 363,0 377,2
melon crops
of them:
Potato 73,6 78,3 80,6 78,8 89,6 93,3
Vegetables 175,4 189,4 194,0 189,7 220,0 222,8
Melons 45,9 50,6 52,0 52,3 53,4 61,1
Forage crops 313,1 315,7 327,0 243,4 267,6 256,8
Technologies that are sustainable and efficient by using low/optimal levels of inputs can help in efficient use of seeds, water, fertilizers, etc. and also in reducing production costs. Livestock production in Uzbekistan is distinguished by its richness and diversity. Each animal species typically occurs in its own agroecological zone. Dairy cattle are raised mainly in irrigated areas near industrial centers; beef cattle - on pastures in mountainous areas. Astrakhan sheep production systems are located mainly in deserts; meat, wool and lamb production systems, as well as horse breeding industries, are concentrated in the mountainous regions of the Fergana Valley, while pig and poultry industries are located near cities and industrial centers. Livestock is critical to the lives of poor people in these production systems because it is typically one of the few assets they have. In grassland-based systems, farmers keep ruminants to produce meat and milk for their own consumption and sale.
About 50% of the territory of Uzbekistan is covered by pasture lands, which serve as the main source of feed for livestock. Currently, the total area of pastures is 23.8 million hectares, including almost 17 million hectares of desert pastures for Astrakhan sheep. Pastures in high mountain areas are divided as follows: rainfed foothill plains (Adyr) account for 2.85 million hectares, mountain pastures - 680 thousand hectares. (A. Nurbekov et al., 2018). Literature review. Previously, our studies examined the problems of developing the agricultural sector in order to reduce poverty (Farmonqul Egamberdiev et al., 2020), as well as issues of improving the system of providing fruit and vegetable products to budgetary organizations (Nozim Muminov & Gulnora Rakhimova, 2020). In scientific research Abdukarimova B.A. (Abdukarimov B.A. et al., 2010) covers general issues related to the sale of fruits and vegetables.
In a scientific study by Mironova Z.A., studying the specialization of agriculture, it is stated that it "... promotes the concentration of material and financial resources on the production of competitive
products; creates favorable conditions for scientific and technological progress, transferring the industry to the industrial path of development; allows you to improve forms of labor organization; helps to increase the economic efficiency of production." (Mironova Z.A., 2009).P. N. Polbitsyn, studying the features of rural entrepreneurship, notes that "Entrepreneurs working in rural areas operate in conditions that are sharply different from the conditions of the urban environment. They are constantly faced with a high level of uncertainty and unpredictability in the development of not only their enterprise, but also other enterprises operating in the same territory." (Polbitsin S. N., 2019).
In his article, Ornanong Husna Benbourenane examines the impact of military conflicts on the development of agriculture in a single country (Ornanong Husna Benbourenane, 2021).
Skvortsov E.A. and others study the problems of digitalization and robotization of agriculture and note "... subjects of the agricultural sector are moving to digital, intelligent and robotic technologies, that is, to robotization of the industry. Robotics is used in various sectors of the agricultural sector of the economy" (Skvorsov Ye. A. et al., 2018). In the scientific article Babich T.V. considers regional problems of ensuring the competitiveness of Russian agriculture, "problems of food supply in the country and region. Based on the analysis of threats resulting from Russia's accession to the WTO" (Babich T.V., 2014).
In a scholarly monograph, Ulrike Grote provides guidance on macroeconomic policy analysis, agriculture and food security in developing countries (Ulrike Grote, 2016).
Shepitko R. S. and others conduct a "strategic analysis of the technological types of production that have developed in the region's agriculture in the context of organizational formations and types of activities" (R. S. Shepitko et al., 2015). K.P.Kannan states "Changes in the economy of Kerala have brought about structural changes that have made it non-agricultural in nature both in terms of income and employment. This creates new challenges for agricultural development at a time when there is a shortage of labor and profits." (K P Kannan, 2011).
A scientist from Tajikistan, N.Kh. Baeva, studies the problems of market infrastructure in the agro-industrial complex. (Bayeva N.X., 2000).
It should be noted that, along with certain achievements in solving the above problems, in general, an approach to deepening structural changes through digitalization and the introduction of innovative methods of agricultural development has not yet emerged. Digitalization is one of the important factors in increasing the efficiency of development and deployment of productive forces, especially the country's agricultural sector. The above predetermined the relevance and served as the motivation for choosing the direction of this scientific article. Methodology.
The methodology of the research article is defined and provides for a consistent solution of issues related to the development of the concept and the practical aspects of its implementation. The work used methods of sample and mass surveys, structural analysis, intersectoral balance, a systematic approach to the study of problems of the agro-industrial complex, and methods of target forecasting (Blaug M., 1993). The research article examines methodological issues in the analysis and forecasting of agricultural development in general. An analysis was made of the effectiveness of using innovative technologies in agricultural production, and the structural aspects of its development were studied. The main directions of improvement are substantiated the sectoral structure of the country's agriculture, the need and directions for digitalization of agricultural production are determined. Results.
Digital villages in Europe and Central Asia (Sifrovie derevni, 2023). FAO is working with partners in Albania, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan to accelerate the digital transformation of agriculture and rural areas through the Digital Villages Initiative (DVI).
DVI is an FAO corporate initiative that aims to transform at least 1,000 villages around the world into digital villages. Through DVI, FAO is supporting the digital transformation of rural areas to address challenges in food and agriculture systems and improve the livelihoods and resilience of rural communities. DVI's vision in Europe and Central Asia is to empower every rural community to leverage digital technologies based on local strengths. DVI takes a participatory approach to involve rural
communities in project activities, thereby increasing their capacity and ensuring long-term sustainability. In addition, DVI strives to strengthen connections and collaboration between villages and institutions through "DVI twinning", encouraging the exchange of knowledge, best practices and technology transfer at the national, regional or international level.
During this event, senior officials and technical experts will share their vision for promoting DVI in their countries. In addition, past achievements, milestones and best practices in digital agriculture will be presented, which provide a strong foundation for the implementation of DVI. The event will also feature a live broadcast from Novkent, Uzbekistan's future digital village, where FAO is introducing smart Internet of Things devices into smallholder greenhouses, developing digital literacy and stimulating innovation. Digital demo farms within the framework of the Digital Villages Initiative in Europe and Central Asia (Konkurs dlya chempionov, 2023). FAO has launched a corporate program called the Digital Villages Initiative, which aims to transform more than 1,000 villages around the world into digital ones. Since its launch, the program has been implemented in several countries around the world.
The initiative is taking steps to accelerate the digital transformation of agriculture and rural areas in eight countries in Europe and Central Asia: Albania, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan. The vision of the initiative in Europe and Central Asia is to empower every village and rural community to use digital technologies to increase agricultural productivity and improve rural living conditions by leveraging local strengths. Through the initiative, FAO seeks to harness the power of digital technology, innovation, knowledge and partnerships to develop rural communities that are people-centred, smart, green, connected and collaborative.
Selected agritech innovators will have the opportunity to implement their digital agriculture solutions at a demonstration site in one of the countries participating in the initiative. These digital demonstration farms, whether private (such as an individual farmer's plot or greenhouse) or public (such as a community's common land or a university campus), will be dedicated to innovative digital agricultural activities. FAO welcomes agri-tech innovators who offer innovative technologies and products that align with the initiative's objectives in the region. Any organization can apply, including start-ups, universities, research institutes, non-governmental organizations or established agricultural technology providers. An application will be considered if the technology can be installed on a demonstration farm and can contribute to sustainable agriculture and rural development in the region.
Possible solutions for digital agriculture include, but are not limited to, agrometeorological stations, precision agriculture technologies, decision support and farm management systems, animal health tracking devices, robots and many more based on information and communication technologies and applied to agricultural production, collection harvest and post-harvest processing. While there are no restrictions regarding the geographical origin of the provider, it is desirable that the interface be available in the local languages of the countries of the initiative (Albania, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan) to facilitate adoption and use by local farming communities.
Criteria for evaluation:
1. Applicability: The extent to which the solution can be applied to the demonstration site will be assessed. Solutions must match the characteristics of the specific demonstration site environment, such as crop or livestock species, and the scale of farming operations, ensuring smooth integration and efficient results.
2. Technical feasibility: The feasibility of implementing the solution at a demonstration site will be considered. This assessment will consider logistical and resource requirements to ensure successful implementation. Only those solutions that are feasible for implementation at the demonstration site will be considered.
3. Relevance: Solutions that either meet the needs of the agricultural sectors of the respective country, or solve the major problems faced by each country, or both, will be given priority.
4. Data Management and Privacy: Practices related to data management, privacy and security will be assessed in accordance with FAO policies.
5. Interface: The usability and accessibility of the solution interface will be assessed. Solutions that can effectively meet the needs of local farmers, especially small farmers, including language needs, will be prioritized.
6. Experience and knowledge: The experience and knowledge of agritech innovators will be taken into account when introducing digital solutions for agriculture. A strong track record in similar projects or in a regional context will be considered an advantage.
7. Financial viability: The financial viability of maintaining and operating the proposed solution will be assessed. Solutions that demonstrate long-term financial viability will be prioritized.
FAO will provide the necessary support to selected agri-tech innovators throughout the life of the projects, including technical assistance, guidance on adapting solutions to local conditions and facilitating engagement with relevant stakeholders. Financial responsibilities. Selected innovators will be responsible for covering all costs associated with implementing the solution, including travel and living expenses. Specific agreements on solution servicing costs will be reached during the selection process on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the servicing requirements of each solution.
Pilot digital demo farm: Training farm of the Tajik Agrarian University in the Gissar Valley of Tajikistan. A pilot digital farm in Tajikistan will be created on the territory of the educational farm of the Tajik Agrarian University, located in the Gissar Valley. This farm serves as a hands-on learning platform for students, allowing them to learn hands-on aspects of agriculture, including the health and production of plants, livestock, and sustainable farming practices. The farm hosts a variety of agricultural activities, making it an ideal location to demonstrate and test digital farming solutions. In addition, the farm is equipped with an agrometeorological station and a laboratory building with electricity, which provides the necessary infrastructure for the implementation of digital solutions in agriculture. By creating a demo farm at the academic farm of the Tajik Agrarian University, the initiative aims to use this vibrant location as a living laboratory to demonstrate and promote digital agricultural solutions.
Table 2.
Crops grown_
Crop production
Cereals, legumes, vegetables (corn, rice, potatoes, etc.) 7.49 to
Cotton 1.5 to
Forage crops 2 to
Apple orchard 2 to
Plum Garden 1 to
The Cherry Orchard 1 to
Grape 1 to
Livestock
Cattle 40
Sheep and goats 30
Bee families 170
Digitalization of livestock farming in Georgia (Sifrovizatsiya jivotnovodstva, 2023). The efforts of female veterinarians are helping to improve traceability and food safety in Georgia. Veterinary technician Shorena Dzhambazishvili uploads data on vaccinated animals into Georgia's National Animal Identification and Traceability System, implemented with technical assistance from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The veterinarian vaccinates all cows on farms in the municipality and then digitizes the information.
In a two-person team, a female veterinarian is responsible for entering all data into Georgia's online National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS), which has revolutionized the country's animal tracking system over the past five years. The NAITS system, implemented by the Government of Georgia with technical assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
(FAO), records data on all livestock animals subject to legal registration, their owners and places of detention.
Now information about the birth, origin, vaccination, health status and even color of animals can be easily found on the Internet. She helps consumers make informed decisions about purchasing meat and other animal products and take charge of their health. For example, QR codes are placed on products with a link to NAITS, where you can find basic information about the products being purchased, such as origin, age of animals, etc. NAITS currently houses information on more than a million cattle, thanks in large part to the veterinarians and technicians who play a vital role in the project by collecting and recording data in the field.
Female veterinary technicians vaccinate animals and enter information into the NAITS digital traceability system implemented in Georgia with the assistance of FAO.
Thanks to a joint project between FAO and the National Food Agency of Georgia, supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the Austrian Development Cooperation, Georgia has become the first country in the region to introduce an animal identification and registration system. A number of states, including North Macedonia, Albania, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and the Caribbean, have expressed interest in implementing such an electronic system or wished to learn about experience in its development. Both Georgia and other countries currently implementing animal registration systems will benefit from the dissemination of best practices and experiences gained through the development and use of NAITS.
Uzbekistan in the FAO "1000 Digital Villages" project (Uzbekistan podklyuchitsya, 2023). Uzbekistan is developing programs to counter modern challenges and threats to food security, including at the regional level.
The main risks of sustainable development include imbalances in the development of the agricultural sector, water resource shortages, long and ineffective value chains, logistics failures, and others. There is an agreement to include joint activities in three areas in the new Cooperation Program between Uzbekistan and FAO until 2030:
• modernization of agriculture, including soil management, seed storage and selection;
• digitalization of the agricultural sector, including the use of big data as part of the "Hand in Hand" initiative and the implementation of the "1000 digital villages" initiative;
• introduction of new effective financial instruments.
The government of Uzbekistan has called on international financial institutions to help make modern technologies and farming methods available to farmers in developing countries. FAO head Qu Dongyu noted that Central Asia is particularly vulnerable to climate change issues, and this affects the global food basket. FAO will support the region with technology, investment and solutions to climate change issues. Conclusions.
Based on the above material, the following conclusions can be drawn:
• digitalization and innovation are the most important key to the success of transformation in agriculture
• in rural areas, digital technologies can be used to address multiple market failures
• accelerating the pace of digitalization in agriculture should help protect fundamental human rights by ensuring access to digital technologies, digital literacy and digital public goods at affordable prices for all
• digital innovation must open up employment opportunities, bridge rural gaps and empower youth and women
• the potential of digital technologies will make it possible to achieve the following improvements: improved production, improved nutrition, improved environmental conditions and improved quality of life
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