Management of hazardous chemicals

The Food Safety Committee held an expanded working meeting with representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and international experts, the Committee reports.

The meeting covered upcoming tasks and priority areas for the joint project, “Technical Assistance for the Sound Management of Hazardous Chemicals in Uzbekistan”, implemented with support from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and partner organizations.

Committee representatives reported that institutional reforms within the system are proceeding steadily and outlined measures to phase out highly hazardous pesticides and to expand the implementation of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach.

Following the discussions, the parties agreed to study European practices for using plant protection products and to introduce them gradually.

Capacity building for specialists was identified as a distinct area of cooperation. Planned measures include continuing training programs, providing practical training for land users, and developing methodological guidelines and a monitoring methodology.

The importance of adopting modern digital solutions, such as the Container Tracking System, was also emphasized to record chemical container use and track their movement, collection, and disposal.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to begin technical consultations online to develop a Joint National Action Plan in the identified areas.

Mohigul Qosimova, UzA