Uzbek Students to Visit Chhattisgarh for Agricultural Education and Research

Raipur, March 2026 Students from Uzbekistan will soon travel to Chhattisgarh for higher education and research in agriculture, while students from Chhattisgarh will also get opportunities to study and conduct research in Uzbekistan. This academic exchange follows a series of agreements signed between Indira Gandhi Agricultural University and five leading universities in Uzbekistan to strengthen cooperation in higher education and research.

The agreements were finalized during a recent visit to Uzbekistan by a delegation led by Vice-Chancellor Dr. Girish Chandel. The delegation signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with institutions including Tashkent State Agrarian University, Bukhara State University, Samarkand State Veterinary University, Termez Institute, and Denov Institute. These agreements aim to promote collaboration in education, research, biotechnology, and entrepreneurship development.

The partnerships are expected to encourage student and faculty exchange programmes, joint research initiatives, academic mobility, and international internships, thereby enhancing the global engagement of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University.

During the visit, the delegation also explored opportunities for collaboration in key areas such as rice research, cultivation of medicinal crops, biotechnology, and agricultural entrepreneurship. Discussions were held on the potential involvement of Indian Farmer Producer Organizations in the development of agro-based industries in Uzbekistan. Students in Uzbekistan expressed keen interest in pursuing higher education in Chhattisgarh.

Dr. Chandel expressed optimism that just as many Indian students travel to Uzbekistan for medical studies, Uzbek students will increasingly come to Chhattisgarh for agricultural education in the future.

It is noteworthy that the delegation visited Uzbekistan from February 28 to March 10, 2026, as part of efforts to expand international cooperation in higher education and agricultural research. The visit focused on strengthening academic ties and exploring collaboration in agricultural science, biotechnology, protected farming, agri-entrepreneurship, and value chain development of major crops.

The delegation engaged with leading universities, research institutions, and policymakers to identify opportunities for joint academic programmes, research collaboration, and institutional partnerships. Professor Hulas Pathak, Chairman of the International Cell of the university, was also part of the delegation.

During the visit, MoUs were signed with key institutions including Termez Pedagogical Institute, Denov Institute of Entrepreneurship and Pedagogy, Tashkent State Agrarian University, Bukhara State University, and Samarkand State Veterinary University. The delegation also held a detailed meeting with an international accreditation and rating agency in Tashkent, gaining valuable insights into Uzbekistan’s rapidly expanding higher education system.

At Termez Pedagogical Institute, discussions focused on academic cooperation and curriculum development. At Denov Institute, high-level talks were held with university officials and government representatives to explore collaboration in entrepreneurship education, biotechnology, and agricultural value chains. In recognition of their academic contributions and leadership, Dr. Chandel and Prof. Pathak were awarded visiting professorships during the visit.

The delegation also visited Tashkent State Agrarian University, where discussions were held on agricultural biotechnology, saline agriculture, and entrepreneurship development, followed by the signing of an MoU. At Bukhara State University, the team observed advanced smart laboratory facilities and farmer group-based value chain models, especially in cotton and dairy sectors.

At Samarkand State Veterinary University, discussions focused on collaboration in rice research, medicinal plants, agricultural entrepreneurship, and opportunities for joint research and academic exchange. The visit also emphasized strengthening innovation and startup ecosystems, including incubation opportunities, development of agro-based industries, and promotion of Farmer Producer Organizations.

Special discussions were held on value chain development for crops such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, lavender, and medicinal plants, along with possibilities for technology transfer and joint branding initiatives for international markets.

The delegation also interacted with the Indian Embassy in Tashkent, where discussions with Ambassador Smita Pant focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in agriculture and education. Priority areas such as saffron, lavender, asafoetida, berries, and advanced agricultural technologies were identified.

This visit has laid a strong foundation for long-term academic and research collaboration between India and Uzbekistan, contributing significantly to sustainable agriculture, innovation, and global knowledge exchange.