Uzbekistan and Egypt have taken a major step toward strengthening agricultural cooperation by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on joint seed potato production. The agreement, signed between Egypt’s EFC Plants and Uzbekistan’s Agro Gold Premium, was finalized during an agricultural business forum in Cairo. This collaboration aims to enhance potato farming efficiency, introduce high-yielding varieties, and localize full-cycle seed potato production in Uzbekistan.
Key Developments in the Partnership
- Investment in Potato Farming – Uzbekistan has allocated 400 billion Uzbek soums (approx. $32 million USD) in 2025 to boost potato cultivation, focusing on high-yield varieties and modern farming techniques.
- Technology and Knowledge Transfer – Egyptian experts will share advanced potato cultivation methods, including disease-resistant seed production and precision agriculture practices.
- Localization of Seed Production – The project will establish a complete seed potato production cycle in Uzbekistan, reducing dependency on imports and improving food security.
Global Context: The Growing Importance of Seed Potatoes
According to the International Potato Center (CIP), global potato production must increase by 25% by 2030 to meet rising demand. High-quality seed potatoes can improve yields by 30-50%, making Uzbekistan and Egypt’s partnership crucial for regional food sustainability.
Economic and Agricultural Benefits
- Reduced Import Costs: Local seed production will cut expenses for Uzbek farmers, who currently rely on foreign supplies.
- Higher Profit Margins: Improved seed quality can lead to better market prices and export opportunities.
- Job Creation: The project is expected to generate new employment in agri-tech and farming sectors.
The Uzbekistan-Egypt partnership marks a significant leap forward in agricultural innovation, offering farmers access to superior seed potatoes and advanced growing techniques. By leveraging Egypt’s expertise and Uzbekistan’s investment, this initiative could transform potato farming in Central Asia, ensuring higher productivity and sustainability.
