DUSHANBE, March 12, 2009, Asia-Plus — Mr. Yoshihiro Nakayama, Chargé D’Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in Dushanbe, and Mr. Qahhor Oimatov, chairman of the Ghonchi district, Sughd province yesterday exchanged notes concerning the Grass-root Grant Assistance of the Government of Japan for the rural development project.
Japan’s Government allocated 82,681 US dollars for the project “Rehabilitation of the Irrigation Canal in Kalininobod Jamoat, Ghonchi District.” The Project aims to make partial insulation measure to existing 9km earth canal, which irrigates farm land of Yangiariki Bolo village for more than 50 years. Due to the frequent landslides, some parts of canal have been seriously damaged, resulting in water loss. Insulated canal will decrease loss of water and increase effective use of water for farming.
About 3000 people’s kitchen gardens and farm lands in Yangiariki Bolo village are expected to benefit from this project. Also, the local community is going to contribute to this project with labor works and transportation cost.
Construction and rehabilitation of irrigation systems are one of the biggest concerns for people in rural areas in Tajikistan, where most people make their living by farming. Most pump stations and irrigation canals in villages have not been repaired or have been ruined because of fund shortages and management skills. This year, Japanese Grass-root Grant is going to assist 6 projects for rehabilitation and construction of irrigation systems in 6 districts. These Grant Projects are expected not only to enhance productivity of lands but also open up the options for farmers to grow various kinds of crops.
Grant Assistance for Grass-root Human Security Projects (GGP) is provided mainly to local governments, NGOs, and educational and medical institutions in developing countries. GGP provides support to projects in the human security sectors at the grassroots level. GGP has extended more than 15.2 million US dollars for 231 projects in Tajikistan since 1996.
