The University of Electro-Communications (UEC) has been selected by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under its Grassroots Technical Cooperation Project (Cooperation Support Type) to implement a groundbreaking program in Uzbekistan titled: “Formation of a new blueberry specialty region and improving livelihoods of small-scale young farmers through DX technologies.” The project will span two years and four months, beginning in fiscal 2025.

Background and Purpose
Uzbekistan is working to revitalize its agricultural sectors and increase high-value crop production under its national development policies. Against this backdrop, UEC will support the formation of a new region specializing in blueberries by young small-scale farmers—particularly in saline-irrigated land that has hitherto been underutilized.
By combining cutting-edge digital technologies with agricultural practice, UEC aims to raise the productivity, quality and sustainability of blueberry cultivation, thereby improving farmer livelihoods as well as creating a model for value-added horticulture in Uzbekistan’s emerging specialty crop sector.

Project Scope and Innovative Approaches

The project comprises several innovative components
Introduction of salt-tolerant pot cultivation on saline-affected irrigation land. Many irrigated lands in Uzbekistan suffer salt accumulation; therefore, the use of pot cultivation and salt-tolerant varieties will enable young farmers to bring formerly marginal land into productive use.
Use of 3D remote guidance and generative AI. UEC will implement DX (digital transformation) techniques including remote 3D video guidance and generative AI, enabling specialist support of farmers in real time—even from Japan. This allows hands-on conversion of know-how without the need for constant physical travel.
Capacity building for young small-scale farmers. Approximately 80 young farmers will participate in the program, receiving training not only in cultivation techniques, but also in marketing, value-chain thinking, and use of smart-agriculture tools.
Localization and sustainability. The project emphasizes sustainable management of the blueberry specialty region by integrating local community structures, extension systems and digital networks for longer-term viability beyond the project period.

Expected Outcomes and Benefits
Through this initiative, UEC and JICA expect to achieve the following outcomes:

• Establishment of a demonstrable model of high-value blueberry production on formerly marginal land in Uzbekistan, promoting economic opportunity for young farmers.
• Transfer of advanced Japanese agricultural technology and expertise in a digital format that can be scaled to other crops, other regions, and other countries.
• Strengthening of international cooperation in agriculture, nutrition, and rural development, aligned with Japan’s support agenda in Central Asia.
• Enhanced global visibility for UEC’s role in combining ICT, digital transformation, and sustainable agriculture, in line with the University’s strategic mission.

UEC’s Role and Institutional Commitment
As the implementing institution, UEC will mobilize its expertise in remote systems, digital guidance platforms, artificial intelligence, and cross-disciplinary collaboration between engineering and agriculture. UEC will partner closely with local Uzbek institutions, extension services, young farmer networks and JICA’s field operations to ensure effective project delivery.
UEC is committed to rigorous monitoring, dissemination of results, and developing a replicable model that can inform future cooperation in specialty horticulture and digital agriculture.

Looking Forward
This project underscores the growing importance of digital transformation in agriculture and international cooperation in largely untapped agricultural regions. By combining UEC’s technological expertise with JICA’s development framework and Uzbekistan’s ambition to expand high-value horticulture, the initiative offers a compelling example of how Japan-based universities can contribute to global food and rural-development challenges.
UEC will publish progress updates and outcomes on its website and through its international-cooperation communications channels.

About JICA’s Grassroots Technical Cooperation Project
The Grassroots Technical Cooperation Project (also known as the “Kusano-ne” scheme) allows Japanese schools, NGOs, municipalities, independent administrative institutions and research organizations to engage in self-less international cooperation in developing countries.
(In Japanese)
https://www.jica.go.jp/activities/schemes/partner/kusanone/index.html

It emphasizes small-scale yet high-impact activities directly benefiting local communities, helping to build capacity, promoting sustainability and boosting local development. Past call statistics indicate a rigorous selection process: for example, the 2024 application round accepted 22 of 78 submissions, representing a 28% selection rate.
(In Japanese)
https://www.jica.go.jp/activities/schemes/partner/kusanone/shien/index.html