Translated with AI
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $17 million in grant financing to support the digitalization and modernization of livestock farming in Tajikistan, enabling people to earn higher incomes and improve access to nutritious food. The financing includes a $14 million grant from the Asian Development Fund and a $3 million grant from the Japan Fund for a Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific (JFPR), financed by the Government of Japan through ADB, according to the ADB press service.
Tajikistan's agricultural sector is growing steadily, providing employment for over 40% of the working population and contributing over 20% to the country's economy. Livestock farming is a particularly important sector, as most animals are raised on small farms. However, climate change challenges, outdated veterinary services, and limited digital tools make it difficult for livestock farmers to succeed, especially for women who often care for the animals.
"Through this project, ADB will support Tajikistan in modernizing its livestock sector by implementing a national digital livestock management system, improving veterinary services, and modernizing pastures to manage climate risks," said Ko Sakamoto, ADB Country Director for Tajikistan. "This means farmers will raise healthier animals and earn more, people will eat better, and women will have more opportunities to manage livestock."
The project will create a national digital livestock system to track animal health, control livestock movements, and certify animals for the domestic market or export. The project also includes modernizing public livestock breeding and veterinary services in pilot districts to meet commercial standards and attract private investment. The project will also modernize the national artificial insemination center and establish a center for the secure storage of genetic material.
Mobile clinics and regional veterinary centers will be equipped with diagnostic equipment, and vaccine cold chains will be strengthened. To strengthen veterinary services, the project includes modernizing educational institutions, providing scholarships for female veterinarians, and creating a national network of female veterinarians.
The project will improve pasture management and make them more resilient to climate change. This includes the creation of a national digital pasture map, the modernization of a pilot animal migration point with rest and washing stations, and the provision of mobile veterinary services. Local residents will receive training in pasture management and sustainable grazing planning.
The Ministry of Agriculture of Tajikistan will serve as the executing agency for the project, and the Committee on Food Security will support veterinary services. Completion of the project is scheduled for 2031.
Tajikistan joined ADB in 1998. ADB's partnership with Tajikistan has produced tangible results: upgrading key transport highways, such as the Obigarm-Nurobod, Dushanbe-Bokhtar, Ayni-Penjikent, Dushanbe-Tursunzoda, and Vose-Khovaling roads; modernizing irrigation and water supply systems; constructing hospitals and schools; supporting the construction of power lines and substations; reconnecting Tajikistan's power grid to the Central Asian power grid; and rehabilitating large hydropower plants, including the Nurek and Golovnaya hydropower plants.
