The World Bank Mission’s working group conducted an inspection of research activities in the Sughd and Khatlon regions

The technical working group, consisting of representatives of the World Bank and environmental and social specialists of the State Institution “Agriculture Entrepreneurship Development,” visited several work sites in the Sughd and Khatlon regions.

During the visit, the group inspected the “Free Economic Zone” (ALC), the State Institution “Locust Control Expedition,” and several seed-producing farms in Sughd and Khatlon, including OJSC named after A. Jumayev, OJSC “S. Urunkhodjaev,” Dehkan Farm “Yakkatoot” in J. Rasulov District, the “Kulyab” Trading Cooperative in Vakhsh District, and Dehkan Farm “Khoji Zakir” in Vakhsh District.

Throughout the inspection, the group discussed the proper storage of pesticides, compliance with safety regulations, adherence to sanitary and hygiene standards, conditions for storing mineral fertilizers and seed reserves, as well as compliance with the project’s environmental and social requirements and labor conditions monitoring.

It is worth noting that a biological laboratory operates at the A. Jumayev seed farm, where beneficial insects—entomophages—are bred for biological pest control. The results of this activity are extended to other districts. World Bank specialists reviewed the laboratory’s work and positively evaluated the project’s contribution to its future development.

Additionally, meetings were held with representatives of vulnerable farms, allowing the group to become familiar with the current social and environmental conditions of these farms.

In conclusion, environmental and social specialists provided valuable recommendations to the project beneficiaries for further improving their operations.