Over 100 tractors bought within 2KR project handed over to Moldovan farmers

Chisinau, 7 May /MOLDPRES/ - Prime Minister Pavel Filip today participated in a ceremony on the handing over of a consignment of tractors to farmers within the 2 KR project. Those 106 tractors were purchased within the tenth installment of a grant provided by the Japanese government to implement the project, Conservation agriculture- development of a sustainable system of soils’ management in Moldova.  

According to the government’s communication protocol department, the prime minister stressed that the 2KR project, launched back in 1999, was an example of consistence and viability. ‘’This fact speaks about important elements, such as the attitude of the government of Japan. Beyond the fact that governments succeeded each other here in Chisinau, this attitude has not changed and we feel this support,’’ Pavel Filip said. He emphasized also the role of the project implementation unit in ensuring the project’s continuity.

So far, over 4,000 farmers have bought the needed agricultural technology within this project, on easy terms: payment in installments, zero interest, without bank guarantee or pledge and with the possibility of extending the payment period. ‘’Besides, premises have been created for people to work at home. On this period, more than 30,000 jobs have been created,’’ the PM added.

Ambassador of Japan to Moldova Masanobu Yoshii highlighted the friendship relations between the two countries. The official said that Japan would continue backing Moldova’s development, creating jobs and projects with positive impact on people’s lives.  

On the occasion of the event, the prime minister stressed, once again, the importance of the agriculture branch for Moldova’s economy, which provides about 12 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Filip specified that the government would continue supporting the Moldovan farmers. In the context, the PM noted the increase of the subsidization fund by 120 million lei, the payment of the earlier debts in this respect and the making of the current payments in time.  

At the same time, Pavel Filip said that, in the information age, it was necessary a change in agriculture as well. Thus, the PM came with an urge for farmers: ‘’We will make high-value agriculture when we use modern technology, when we come up with new technologies. This possibility offered by the government of Japan should be fully used.’’

The prime minister also said that Moldovan wine is sold in the market of Japan, and is regarded a quality wine. ‘’At the same time, I think that there are still many reserves and potential. I know that these tractors have been adapted especially for work in vineyard and orchards. If we have here farmers due to use them in vineyard and then will produce wine, you have occasion to find sales market at present too,’’ the prime minister said.  

The farmers, for their part, appreciated the advantageous conditions of the 2KR project and the high quality of the Japanese agricultural technology.

Grants worth 24.5 million dollars have been provided within the 2KR project in all. The grants are offered in agricultural technology, with 9,000 units purchased so far.