Malaysia’s Meraque Group and Uzbekistan Ministry of Agriculture ink agriculture technology partnership

• Collaboration around developing a drone ecosystem policy for agriculture
• Prioritise education, knowledge-sharing, and servicing within agricultural sector

Meraque Group, a leading Malaysian robotics solutions company, announced the establishment of a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, highlighting their mutual commitment to driving innovation, collaboration, and growth in the agricultural technology sector.

The partnership was formalised through a MoU, signed by Shakhobjon Sharifov, Director of the State Institution (Administrative and Economic Service), and Razali Ismail, CEO and founder of Meraque, witnessed by Ibrokhim Y. Abdurakhmonov, Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

"We believe that this strategic partnership will not only enhance our capabilities but also contribute to the broader goal of sustainable agricultural development. We are committed to working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture to create cutting-edge solutions that will benefit both nations," said Razali Ismail, CEO and founder of Meraque.

Uzbekistan boasts an extensive agricultural landscape, with approximately 4.3 million hectares of land dedicated to farming, including 1 million hectares for cotton and another million for various other crops. The country is also actively expanding its horticulture sector, focusing on fruit and vegetable production. Recognising the vast market potential, Meraque said it views this partnership as an opportunity to extend its expertise in drone technology and robotic solutions to revolutionise Uzbekistan's agricultural sector.

Within the next three years, Meraque aims to secure a US$4.6 million (RM20 million) facility from a Malaysian bank to establish a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Uzbekistan. This initiative is expected to generate 1,000 new jobs and service 100,000 hectares of agricultural land, contributing an estimated US$13.8 million (RM60 million) in value. Furthermore, Razali, who has bootstrapped the startup since its 2018 launch now plans to raise RM30 million in VC funding to fuel further advancements in agricultural technology across the region.

[RM1 = US$0.23]

One key aspect of the partnership is Meraque’s role in working closely with the Uzbekistan Ministry of Agriculture to develop a comprehensive drone ecosystem policy tailored for agriculture. This policy will aim to regulate and enhance the use of drone technology within the country’s vast agricultural sector, ensuring sustainable growth and efficiency improvements.

The partnership will prioritise education and knowledge-sharing, focusing on training programs, governance of drone ecosystems, and servicing within the agricultural sector. With oversight of 100,000 farmers, the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan is poised to benefit from improved efficiency, productivity, and sustainability through this partnership.