DUSHANBE, September 7 2012, Asia-Plus – 55 tractors “MTZ-82.1” and 55 tractor-drawn plows “PLN-3.35” have been handed over to the Republican State Unitary Enterprise (RSUE), Tojikagroleasing (Tajik state-run agroleasing company).
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)’s Office in Tajikistan reports the handover ceremony that took place on September 7 was attended by Mr. Hiroyuki Imahashi, Ambassador of Japan to Tajikistan, Mr. Jiro Iida, JICA Resident Representative in Tajikistan, Mr. Sultonnoyobov, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, and Mr. Khairiddinov, Director of RSUE Tojikagroleasing.
The agricultural machines were handed over to Tojikagroleasing under Japan’s Food Security Project for Underprivileged Farmers.
Tojikagroleasing, which is an implementing agency for the project, will be responsible for the delivery of the machineries to underprivileged farmers through sale, lease or rent.
The proceeds from the sales are to be deposited to the special account of Counterpart Fund opened by the Government of Tajikistan. The accumulated proceeds of this Counterpart Fund will be used to continue expanding assistance for the development of agriculture and increase of food security.
The Food Security Project for Underprivileged Farmers is implemented under Exchange of Notes between the Government of Japan and the Government of Tajikistan with the purpose of supporting the efforts to increase food production in Tajikistan. Japan allocated some US$2.35 million for the purchase and delivery of tractors, combines and other agriculture equipments.
In 2010, under the previous Food Security Project for Underprivileged Project 51 tractors, 51 tractor-drawn plows, and 12 combine harvesters were delivered to Tajikistan.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency commonly known by the acronym “JICA” is an independent governmental agency that coordinates official development assistance (ODA) for the Government of Japan. It is chartered with assisting economic and social growth in developing countries, and the promotion of international cooperation.