Pilot demonstration of seed balls technology for afforestation of degraded lands in Batken region

The pilot demonstration aims to introduce and test climate‑resilient afforestation technologies on degraded and low‑productive lands of the Batken Region, with a particular focus on the use of seed balls for sowing saxaul, pistachio, and almond under arid conditions.

A technical mission carried out in February 2026 assessed local afforestation practices and confirmed the potential of adapting international approaches such as seed ball technology for restoring degraded and low‑productive lands. This method offers an innovative, low‑cost, and climate‑responsive solution with the potential to deliver both environmental improvements and future economic benefits from non‑wood forest products.

The pilot seeks to demonstrate the effectiveness of seed balls under local climatic conditions, raise awareness on sustainable land management and climate‑change adaptation practices, and strengthen cooperation between FAO, regional authorities, forest enterprises, and local communities. It will also lay the groundwork for scaling up pistachio and almond afforestation efforts, while reinforcing saxaul plantations as a successful local model of desert restoration.