National workshop on improved pest and pesticide management in Uzbekistan

The countries of Central Asia, particularly Uzbekistan, face significant challenges related to the management of obsolete pesticides, which are a legacy of excessive pesticide use during Soviet times. Stockpiles of hazardous substances, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that are toxic and resistant to degradation through chemical, biological, and photolytic processes, have accumulated and have not been removed due to a lack of awareness about their adverse environmental and health impacts. To address these issues, FAO, as part of a European Union-backed initiative, is working to strengthen Uzbekistan's capacities in sustainable pesticide management and implement more sustainable agricultural practices. 

With support from the project “Technical Assistance for Sound Management of Hazardous Chemicals in Uzbekistan”, an FAO workshop will focus on introducing pesticide life-cycle management, identifying gaps in current systems, and developing a roadmap for improvements. Expected outcomes include enhanced collaboration, targeted interventions, and strategies to mitigate pesticide-related risks, ultimately safeguarding both human health and the environment.