The Integrated Rural Development Project (IRDP)/GIZ “Towards Rural Inclusive Growth and Economic Resilience (TRIGGER)” handed over agricultural equipment to four Producer Groups in Lakhsh district, procured with financial support of the European Union (EU) by the project’s partner organization PO Development of Cross Border Relations in Jirgital district within the framework of implementation of Small-Scale Projects. The event was attended by the Director of IRDP/TRIGGER, Mr. Wulf-Hendrik Goretzky, the Chairman of Lakhsh district, Mr. Faizullo Barotzoda, farmers and project experts.
The project is co-financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the EU. It is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). IRDP/TRIGGER aims to boost added value of agricultural production in Tajikistan. In this ceremony, the project handed over three pieces of two lined potato harvester and a cultivator for soil processing. It should be noted that in May 2021, the project delivered 40 MT of Bigrossa potato seeds and supported the technical capacity building of 80 local potato seed producers in Lakhsh district.
This strategic import of high-quality seed is in line with the long-term objectives of the project within the potato value chain but is also considered a COVID-19 emergency response. IRDP/TRIGGER’s rural development strategy targets the establishment and development of the potato seed production cluster, which will contribute to the growth of the districts’ economy and allow farmers to earn more income, thus improving peoples’ livelihoods.
The Chairman of the Lakhsh district, Mr. Faizullo Barotzoda, highly appreciated the activities of the project to support the development of agriculture in the district. He noted the importance and timeliness of technical support for the project through the provision of agricultural machinery and equipment. Mr. Barotzoda stated that the Lakhsh district is one of the main producers and suppliers of potatoes in the Republic and the project will contribute to the increase in production volumes, improve product quality and expand supply to consumers resulting in an increase of producers' incomes.
On this occasion, the Director of IRDP/TRIGGER, Mr. Wulf-Hendrik Goretzky during his speech stated: “It is important to note, that the handover ceremony of these agricultural equipment, cultivator and 3 potato harvesters is well timed, noting that it is the harvest season. The delivered equipment will ease the process of collecting the crops, save time and save money. The equipment will provide a big help to raise a productivity and boost Lakhsh district’s modernization drive to its agricultural sector.”
Lakhsh district has good soil conditions and favorable climate for growing potato. Potato seeds and agricultural equipment distributed to Tajik farmers and Producer Groups will help to stimulate and increase the productivity, as well as contribute to their well-being. Farmers will now have improved access to agricultural equipment, which will allow them to rationalize field work, thus increasing agricultural productivity.
About the project
The Integrated Rural Development Project (IRDP)/GIZ “Towards Rural Inclusive Growth and Economic Resilience (TRIGGER)” is a joint project of the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to boost the added value of agricultural production in Tajikistan. The joint project aims to boost agricultural production in Tajikistan through the implementation of the agricultural reform at policy level, improvement of technical and entrepreneurship skills of farmers, Small and Medium Enterprises and business associations along the selected value chains.
The project activities focus on Sughd and Khatlon regions, as well as Districts of Republican Subordination following with the special focus of European funding to Zarafshon and upper Vakhsh valleys. The project will achieve its goals through five components:
1) Improve the business enabling environment and policy dialogue;
2) Increase productivity of agricultural value chains;
3) Promote the access to export markets;
4) Support business start-ups and promote entrepreneurship;
5) Improve the enabling environment in the Integrated Water Resource Management.
