A new study entitled, Wheat landraces in farmers’ fields in Uzbekistan: National survey, collection, and conservation, 2010-2015 is now available in Russian language.
The FAO study was undertaken in an effort to preserve Uzbekistan’s traditional wheat varieties. In recent years farmers have increasingly turned to planting only modern varieties of wheat, neglecting traditional wheat landraces that contain valuable genetic resources for the future of wheat production in Central Asia.
To identify where traditional varieties of wheat landraces are still grown, FAO funded an extensive survey and collection of samples. In 2013- 2014, surveyors interviewed farmers in mountainous regions of Uzbekistan who continue to grow traditional landraces. The interviews were conducted to gain a better understanding of the socio-economic issues surrounding use of landraces.
The study is part of a series of publications introducing wheat landraces in the countries of Central Asia. It includes a listing of local wheat varieties with detailed information about how, why, where, and under what conditions farmers continue to grow these traditional varieties. The research also examines the trends affecting cultivation of local varieties – from socio-economic and geographic and perspectives. The publication concludes with recommendations for decision-makers for preserving genetic diversity and on-farm conservation of landraces.
fao.org
