DUSHANBE, March 5, 2015, Asia-Plus — The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) in Tajikistan says it has signed an Agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Tajikistan and the State Enterprise “Project Management Unit Livestock and Pasture Development” for the implementation of a new project, On-farm Technology Validation and Demonstration under Khatlon Livelihoods Support Project.
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) will finance FAO Tajikistan to implement the Khatlon Livelihoods Support Project. The total cost of the provision of the Services is US$ 638,227.
“This project will help 1 500 household farms to increase their profitability through improved agricultural (including livestock) technologies and inputs. The proposed implementation arrangements involve state and local government agencies in project coordination and in providing support services at the national, district and jamoat levels,” – said Mr. Gutu, FAO Representative in Tajikistan.
The project will work in 30 villages in Muminobod and Shouroobod districts and closely cooperate with the Village Organizations formed by Khatlon Livelihoods Support Project.
It is expected that the farmers, farmers’ communities and rural households as well as implementing partners will directly benefit from knowledge management, field days, exchange visits, season long trainings, training modules and materials, as well as information materials on agriculture.
Under this project, access by farmers and livestock owners to improved agricultural (including livestock) technologies and inputs will be developed.
The project will also organize an international study tour and visits to advanced farms and research institutes for selected agricultural specialists and farmers from the project districts to gain experience in introduction of adaptive research and trials, according to FAO CO in Tajikistan.
Under this project, conservation agriculture, improved pasture and grassland management practices in farming communities; promotion of diversified cropping systems and seed production, suitable fodder crops for pasture improvement will be introduced. 28 local veterinarians will be trained in animal health and production and will be provided with transport facilities.
Achieving food security for all is at the heart of FAO”s efforts – to make sure people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.
