Moldovan agriculture became more resistant to natural disasters, FAO notes

10:21 | 11.10.2018 Category: Economic

Chisinau, 11 October /MOLDPRES/- The Moldovan authorities and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have successfully implemented a four-year project to increase drought resistance among small farmers, helping them adopt modern irrigation technologies and best practices in the field. The Hungarian government provided financial support.

“We believe there are still unused opportunities in the agricultural sector. Hungarian companies are ready to participate in the modernization of Moldovan agriculture with the provision of modern technologies," Deputy State Secretary of the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture Aniko Juhász said at a summing up event of the project on 10 October.

State Secretary for Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment Iurie Uşurelu said "farmers needed support for the adoption of farm-level irrigation and optimal use of the improved system." "FAO, as a knowledge-based organization, has a wealth of information and expertise on best practices for irrigation, thus well positioned to carry out this project and we are grateful for the results,” he said.

Ten demonstration plots with water management technologies were created within the project in the central and southern regions of Moldova, most exposed to droughts. Small farmers have benefited from modern irrigation and training equipment on their proper functioning and maintenance. The demonstration plots subsequently hosted training events such as farm schools and field days where more than 350 other farmers learned about the positive impact of irrigating their own land.

The project also supported 380 local extension service specialists and representatives of water user associations by providing them with training, enhancing their capabilities in modern irrigation technologies and best practices. "Wide dissemination and adoption of best irrigation practices will contribute to sustainable management of land and water resources in the context of climate change," said Raimund Jehle, FAO Representative in Moldova.

(Reporter V. Bercu, editor A. Răileanu)

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