To actively advance agricultural education cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, three faculty members from the College of Horticulture — Bao Lu, Mao Jiangping, and Liu Hanqiang — traveled to Uzbekistan from December 5 to 12. At Tashkent State Agrarian University, they successfully completed the first teaching assignment for our university’s Tashkent Campus.
The teaching program offered two courses — Horticulture Advances and Molecular Plant Breeding — totaling 32 class hours. The courses focused on the forefront of horticultural science, covering areas such as germplasm innovation and utilization, modern molecular breeding technologies, and the development of regionally distinctive fruit and vegetable industries. Using bilingual support, case analysis, and interactive teaching methods, the three instructors overcame language barriers, stimulated students’ interest, and significantly enhanced their academic vision and practical abilities. Abduvasikov Abduaziz Abdulazizovich, Vice Rector of Tashkent State Agrarian University, expressed his gratitude for their teaching efforts. The National Television and Radio Company of Uzbekistan conducted special interviews and reports on the teaching activities.
In addition to teaching, the three instructors engaged in in-depth exchanges with researchers from the Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Production of Agricultural Crops at Tashkent State Agrarian University and the Research Institute of Plant Genetic Resources of Uzbekistan. They reached a preliminary consensus on topics such as germplasm resource sharing and cooperation in modern breeding technologies, and conducted on-site investigations of the local fruit and vegetable industries to gain a detailed understanding of agricultural production and market needs. Moreover, the teaching team participated in Uzbekistan’s “Agricultural Workers’ Day” celebrations, immersing themselves in the local agricultural culture and strengthening the emotional ties that underpin future cooperation.
This teaching program has deepened agricultural education cooperation between China and Uzbekistan, providing valuable experience for scientific innovation and talent cultivation in horticulture. Moving forward, the College of Horticulture will continue to advance its collaboration with Tashkent State Agrarian University, promoting joint development in teaching, research, and breeding technologies within the discipline. It will also contribute to regional agricultural modernization and the sustainable development of countries along the Belt and Road.