Press release issued by IRDP / TRIGGER says the EU Integrated Rural Development Project/ TRIGGER has donated agricultural machinery for a total amount of 3,884 million somonis to farmers in four jamoats (Lakhsh, Lakhshi Bolo, Surkhob, Sari Tal) in Lakhsh district.
The handover ceremony was attended by the Deputy Director of the EU Integrated Rural Development Project/ TRIGGER, Mr. Kuklinski, the Head of Government of Lakhsh district, Mr. Holzoda, Chairman of the Lakhsh district, Mr. Vohidov, the representatives of the Public Organization (PO) Development of Cross-Border Relations in Lakhsh district and dehkan farmers.
10 four-wheel tractors, 10 two wheel mini-tractors and 128 sprayers were donated to members of the PO Development of Cross-Border Relations in Lakhsh district.
Lakhsh district is strategically important for potato seed production and food security in Tajikistan, but local farmers lack machinery and tools. Mostly outdated equipment is used, which delays the seasonal farm operations and reduces the quality of the works. This in turn reduces productivity and income of farmers.
The tractors will be plowing, processing and harvesting a total area of 1,000 ha for 400 dehkan farms in four jamoats. The investments will increase the productivity of farming operations and boost the local economy in the area, increase the quality of products and ensure the cultivation of the land and a timely harvest.
“With EU funds, we have financed the training of village advisors, set up producer groups and imported seed potatoes. Together with our local partner, we have already made important progress in terms of professionalization and increase of income of local producers,” stated Mr. Frank Kuklinski. “With additional EU funds, we have now provided matching grants for the purchase of high-quality equipment and machinery. We express our gratitude for the collaboration with the Hukumat of Lakhsh district and the managers of the PO Development of Cross-Border Relations in Lakhsh district who have made this possible.”
The Project has been working with the PO Development of Cross-Border Relations in Jirgital district for several years in promoting value chains of potatoes and apples in the Lakhsh region.
The Integrated Rural Development Project (IRDP) / 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 by improving water security and sustainability, enhancing the productivity of selected value chains, supporting market development, export readiness, enterprise promotion and economic policy advice.
