Uzbekistan eyes AI-powered agri-tech imports from Italy

Uzbekistan plans to import artificial intelligence-powered agricultural technologies from Italy as part of efforts to modernize its farming sector, Agriculture Minister Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov told Kun.uz on March 24.

The announcement came during the “Italy-Central Asia-Azerbaijan” business forum in Tashkent, which brought together about 100 Italian companies and regional business representatives.

Uzbekistan is seeking to acquire high-quality agri-technologies equipped with artificial intelligence, the minister said, adding that rapid adoption of scientific advances can deliver “significant results,” particularly in arid conditions.

Italy has achieved strong agricultural outcomes despite a dry climate through scientific innovation, he said, noting that Uzbekistan has “much to learn” from that experience.

Among the country’s priorities are boosting investment attractiveness, developing processing industries, strengthening export chains, and establishing joint ventures.

Matteo Zoppas, president of the Italian Trade Agency, said exports to Central Asia and Azerbaijan have reached 2.5 billion euros, with Uzbekistan among countries seeking to purchase advanced agricultural machinery and technologies, including AI-based solutions.

“We brought representatives of nearly 100 organizations, around 60 of them manufacturers,” Zoppas said. He added that about 450 business meetings were held with roughly 200 local companies, helping “create a mechanism” to boost trade with the region.

Demand is mainly driven by the need for mechanization, digitalization, and the use of artificial intelligence in both equipment and software, including technologies for soil cultivation and irrigation, he said, adding that such solutions aim to strengthen “food security.”

Abdurakhmonov also warned that global instability is pushing up food prices, calling it a “serious challenge.”

At the end of the forum, Uzbekistan and Italy signed an agreement to develop agricultural trade, promote investment, and expand cooperation in the agro-industrial sector.

Separately, Uzbekistan is also in talks with U.S. agricultural machinery maker John Deere over potential localization of production, the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade said on March 24.