Agribusiness in Tajikistan

The specific objective of the project is to enhance the development of Tajik agri-food value chains, thecompetitiveness of agri-food enterprises and the quality and marketing of their products. In order to achieve the specific objective, a value chain approach will be used. The core of the adopted strategy is to support thelocal and international investments for farm, processor, input and service supply levels. These investments combined with the technical assistance for farmers, processors, input and services providers will lead to thedevelopment of agri-food value chains with their high-level technology and access to local and international markets. Special attention will be given to ensure that the smallholders will benefit from the implementation ofthe project. This will be achieved by the introduction of specific safeguards, the participation of smallholders' representatives in the selection process and through visibility activities, which will ensure they are well awareof the possibilities offered by the project. Furthermore, the creation of export cooperatives will be supportedto enable smallholders to export directly their products.

The expected results are as follows:

1. new and existing local agricultural extension service (AES) providers advise and support farmers in farm management, technical issues, innovation, new investments and cooperation, including farmers' associations;

2. selected machinery service providers deliver machinery services needed by small farmers to produce raw materials inadequate volume and quality, and in a timely manner;

3. local consulting service providers advise and assist local agribusiness enterprises and processors in technical, management and marketing issues;

4. investments in agriculture and agribusiness are supported;

5. a public-private partnership-based food quality control and certification system is established according to international standards for selected food items and is promoted to farmers and processors;

6. selected Tajik food products are branded and their image promoted through public-private partnership