We invited the participants from Uzbekistan under the Sakura Science Program
- Mar., 10, 2025
- Notice
From February 9 to 24, the Arid Land Research Center (ALRC) hosted six faculty members and students from Samarkand State University (SSU) in Uzbekistan. Two young faculty members and four students from the Institute of Agrobiotechnology and Food Security of SSU worked on experiments and exercises at Tottori University (TU) to improve agricultural production and livelihoods in Uzbekistan.
Specifically, the students were divided into three laboratories to conduct hands-on experiments for future collaboration in the areas of low-cost water-saving irrigation, restoration of degraded pastures, testing the introduction of drought-tolerant grasses, and physiological analysis of drought-tolerant crops such as quinoa.
In Uzbekistan, droughts caused by recent climate change have led to water shortages and salt damage that are becoming more severe year by year, and food production in the country is already in a critical state. Therefore, research and educational activities in collaboration with the ALRC are emphasized.
The researchers and students from Uzbekistan were very impressed with the practical experiments and exercises, using the experimental facilities at Tottori University. They returned home with hopes of coming back to Tottori in the future for study or research.
In addition to learning about rural development methods that involve local farmers, participants also visited the Tottori Horticultural Experiment Station and learned about the significance of research that contributes to local agriculture. In this way, momentum was built for the co-creation of agricultural innovations that can withstand climate change and improve the livelihoods of rural communities. Students from Tottori University also supported the experiment, and some students expressed their desire to visit Uzbekistan to conduct the experiment.
The ALRC plans to continue its research exchange with Samarkand State University and will continue to host people from Central Asia to improve the lives of those living there and the local economy.
At Tottori Sand Dunes: It snowed a lot during the stay, but they had a good time.
At the Tottori Prefectural Horticultural Experiment Station: They learned about the outline of cultivation tests of strawberries that have been developed.
Students from the Tottori University also assisted in the analysis work.
Experimental practice: Participants practiced experiments under the guidance of the researcher at the Arid Land Research Center.
At the ALRC: In the presence of host faculty members and Japanese students who supported the program, participants received certificates from Deputy Director of the ALRC, Prof. Tsubo.
