The international competition of scientific and design works "Agroinnovations: a bright path to sustainable development" began its work today at the Turkmen Agricultural Institute, located in the administrative center of Dashoguz Velayat.

Students of higher educational institutions of Turkmenistan, as well as countries of the near and far abroad, were invited to participate online in the intellectual competition, which became one of the significant events of this year "The Storehouse of the Mind of Makhtumkuli Fraga".

The work of the two-day competition was preceded by an introduction to the exhibition, which gives a clear idea of the high level of development of modern Turkmenistan and the achievements of the agricultural sector as an important segment of the national economy.

Then a video presentation of the competition took place, which became a vivid example of an effective symbiosis of science and education to achieve common goals.

As it was emphasized in the speeches, this is not just a large–scale competition, but a platform for the exchange of ideas, for the birth of new scientific discoveries. This is a great opportunity for young, broad–minded scientists to showcase their talents and gain universal recognition.

The speakers noted that international cooperation in the field of agriculture is becoming increasingly relevant. Global challenges such as climate change, environmental well-being and others require the joint efforts of scientists from all over the world. The exchange of experience, knowledge and technologies makes it possible to find effective solutions to ensure food security and sustainable rural development.

In this regard, the general confidence was expressed that the projects submitted to the competition will inspire young people to achieve even greater success in the field of agriculture and agricultural science.

According to the organizers, the International Competition of Scientific and Design works is aimed at developing scientific thinking, research skills and creative approach of students to independent study and solving important tasks facing the field of agriculture in the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Thus, during the preparation of the competition papers, students were able not only to expand their knowledge, but also to understand the importance of using scientific approaches to topical issues related to the comprehensive development of the agro-industrial complex and the rational use of water resources.

The development of innovative, practical solutions for the agricultural sector has also helped to increase the interest of young people in natural sciences, high technology, engineering and mathematics.

The competition was held in two stages. At the first stage, all the received scientific and design works were analyzed in detail by the judging panel. At the second stage, 150 selected best works were presented to an exacting, competent jury in three priority areas: agricultural projects (inventions that are innovative or have specific characteristics superior to existing analogues), IT projects (software, including web services, mobile, desktop applications, chatbots) and business-projects (business plans, financial documents, etc.).

One third of the entries are studies by foreign students from 26 universities in nine countries: the Russian Federation, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Japan, the Republic of Botswana and Germany. 100 works are authored by Turkmen students from 16 universities in our country.

During the two days, each of the participants will have the opportunity to make presentations of their scientific and design work online in front of the Central Organizational Working Group, which included officials of the Turkmen Agricultural Institute responsible for conducting the competition, representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan, as well as prominent domestic and foreign professors and researchers conducting research in the agricultural sector.

I, II and III places in each direction will be determined based on the sum of points scored in all indicators. Among the main criteria: the relevance of the topic raised, the content and usefulness of the information, the mass character (when the project is aimed at solving a problem affecting a large number of people), replicability, consideration of the environmental impact, the novelty of the presented project.

The results will be summed up on October 17, at the end of the final day of the competition.

The winners will be awarded with appropriate diplomas and commemorative prizes.

As you know, the Government of our country has identified many measures aimed at the harmonious and comprehensive development of a key industry, namely: the creation of competitive, environmentally friendly agricultural production, increasing crop yields, the introduction of innovative technologies, conducting thorough research on issues related to the mass use of water-saving technologies.

Scientific potential is an integral part of the national heritage, the basis of the power and prosperity of sovereign Turkmenistan, increasing its prestige in the world in the era of the Revival of a new era of a powerful state.

The course taken by our country towards innovative development and the introduction of the latest technologies is supported by a high–quality education system that trains highly qualified, erudite specialists - true enthusiasts of their field, who are completely passionate about science.

The reforms initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and successfully continued by Arkadagly Hero Serdar are aimed at bringing the national education and science system to the world level.

In this regard, special attention is paid to stimulating the interest of talented young people, creating conditions for conducting relevant scientific research, expanding the scientific worldview and the range of ongoing research in the most promising areas.

Noting the high organizational level of the current intellectual competition aimed at solving urgent problems of agriculture, the students expressed sincere gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero Arkadag, and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov for their multifaceted activities aimed at ensuring peace, sustainable development, and expanding international, including youth cooperation, which serves to establish mutual understanding and trust between the peoples of the planet.

There is no doubt that holding such events, along with strengthening our country's position in the global scientific and educational space, will increase the social activity and desire of Turkmen youth - builders of the future of the Motherland – for science and knowledge, and will also facilitate the establishment of direct contacts and mutual exchange of views on topical issues of our time with peers from abroad.