Today, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced a call for concept papers from Uzbekistan companies to co-finance the introduction or improvement of diagnostic soil and leaf testing to guide fertilizer use. Through accurate assessment and informed use of fertilizer, crop yields can be dramatically increased, and the environmental damage caused by fertilizer can be minimized. Selected companies will be provided with equipment and/or customized training valued at up to 2 billion soums each.

USAID Mission Director in Uzbekistan Mikaela Meredith explained, “USAID works with the Government of Uzbekistan and agribusinesses to help producers meet the demands of local and international markets, expand agricultural productivity, and increase incomes in the agriculture sector. When agribusinesses use fertilizer effectively, food is more plentiful and affordable and farmers prosper.”

Earlier this year, USAID announced $2 million in new commitments to help keep food affordable by supporting Uzbekistan’s farmers and fertilizer producers. This new commitment follows the recent announcement of USAID’s $1 million Fertilizer Development Fund.

The use of fertilizers at key stages of plant growth allows farmers to achieve high yields and increase profits. The majority of farmers in Uzbekistan do not use testing to identify these opportunities, and therefore often use fertilizers at inopportune times or in excessive or insufficient amounts. Sub-optimal use of fertilizer negatively affects plant growth, causes environmental pollution and soil degradation, and leads to low crop yields. Regular soil testing is critical to optimize fertilizer use and raise crop yields throughout the agribusiness sector.

To provide farmers and agribusinesses with timely, accurate information on the types and quantities of fertilizers to use for specific crops, the USAID Agribusiness Development activity will co-invest with selected companies to introduce or improve soil and leaf testing services. In addition, soil and leaf testing technicians and/or extension agents will be trained in best practices for providing farmers and agribusinesses with recommendations on the types and quantities of fertilizers to best increase soil fertility.

The deadline for the submission of applications is December 15, 2022. The announcement and concept paper template are available for download here.