US Pledges $300 Million for Agriculture in Afghanistan
KABUL: (Middle East Press) The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) intends to pledge 300 million dollars in the development of agriculture and livestock sectors in Afghanistan.
The USAID officials said that the assistance has been made on Saturday and will be handed over Afghanistan Agriculture Extension Project (AAEP).
The project starting from upcoming year is expected to enable farmers and agribusinesses to increase their productivity and incomes and supporting access to improved seeds, household nutrition and market in 21 provinces of the country.
During the ceremony to highlight work plan for 2016, Afghan Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Assadullah Zamir emphasized on commitment to restoring and strengthening Afghanistan’s illicit agriculture economy, and “through close cooperation with USAID (the ministry) is moving forward to achieve this strategic objective.”
Herbie Smith, USAID country director said we fund and assist the agricultural development program and regional development department with the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation of Afghanistan and trying to grow the economy and agriculture capacity building work in these sectors.
Furthermore, the agency will help build women’s skills and expand strategic reserves of grains in the country.
The program will be implemented in northern, southern and western zones of the country including in Zabul, Uruzgan, Farah, Badghis, Herat, Balkh, Samangan, Takhar and Badakhshan.
