Antalya:Uzbekistan, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is set to enhance its use of nuclear and isotope technologies in agriculture. This development aims to bolster food security and was discussed during the 'Science to Harvest Advancing Food Security through Atoms4Food in Europe and Central Asia' event at the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey.

According to Trend News Agency, Uzbekistan's Ministry of Agriculture representatives explored the potential expansion of these technologies under the FAO-IAEA Atoms4Food initiative. A key focus was the planned joint assessment mission by FAO and IAEA experts to Uzbekistan in February 2027, which will evaluate the nation's current capabilities and identify areas for technological advancement in agriculture.

Additionally, Uzbek ministry officials met with Hua Liu, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Technical Cooperation, to discuss the development of a 2028-2029 action plan. They agreed on working collaboratively on technical cooperation projects tailored to the specific needs of Uzbekistan's agricultural sector.

The Atoms4Food initiative integrates nuclear science and technology with agricultural knowledge to assist countries in enhancing crop productivity, soil and water management, animal health, food safety, and overall food security.