The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Government of Tajikistan signed two Records of Discussion (RoD) in Dushanbe on May 16 to launch development cooperation projects in the agriculture sector.  Press release issued by KOICA says these agreements mark a significant step toward preparing climate change, improving food security, enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting local economic growth across the country.

The first agreement, signed by Mr. HONG Seokhwa, Vice President of KOICA, and Mr. Davlatzoda Zafarbek, Director of ALRI, is for the project titled “Project for the Irrigation Facility Improvement and Management Capacity Enhancement in Rudaki District of the Republic of Tajikistan.”  Under this agreement, the Government of the Republic of Korea will provide US$10.5 million through KOICA for project implementation from 2025 to 2029.

The project aims to improve the availability and efficiency of irrigation water through the replacement of pumping and electrical equipment at four pumping stations in Rudaki district. It also includes technical cooperation such as on-site training by Korean experts in Tajikistan and capacity building programs in Korea.  Upon completion, the project is expected to benefit more than 30,000 people by ensuring reliable access to water for agriculture.

During welcoming speech, Mr. Davalatzoda Zafarbek, emphasized: The irrigation project will help provide stable access to water for people, leading to the expansion of farmland and improved productivity. We will fully support the successful implementation of the project.

Mr. HONG Seokhwa, Vice President of KOICA mentioned: water resource is now more crucial factor for the living condition of people.  Tajikistan is facing many climate challenges at the moment such as unpredictable flood, drought, and losing glacier and those factors are threatening people of country. The project with ARLI will definitely be able to support small holder farmer who are facing climate difficulty never seen before.

The second agreement, signed by Mr. HONG Seokhwa and Ms. Nigina Anvari, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Tajikistan, for the project “Supporting the Foundation for the Modernized Horticulture Greenhouse in Tajikistan.” with budget of US$8 million for the next five years.

This greenhouse project will be implemented in Hisor City and aims to boost agricultural productivity and income through the establishment of a comprehensive greenhouse horticulture infrastructure.  The project includes the construction of modern greenhouse and associated facilities, technical training programs, and supporting crop production and post-harvest activities.  This integrated approach is expected to introduce modern farming technics and improve livelihoods of farmers in the region.

Mr. Hong, said the following during the ceremonies: small holder farmers in Tajikistan can cultivate crops during the whole year even winter and dry season through the greenhouse. It will be able to help better resilience against climate change that affect agricultural activities.

Moreover, he mentioned: today’s signature is evidence of willingness of Korean Government to support Tajikistan in ensuring the goal toward achieving food security.

Ms. Nigina Anvari Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Tajikistan, highlighted the importance of bilateral collaboration between Tajikistan and South Korea.  She emphasized that greenhouse project will play a significant role in creation a skilled workforce essential for Tajikistan’s economic prosperity.  She also pledged his full support for the success of the initiative.

KOICA is Korean Government Agency for the implementation development cooperation program. KOICA Tajikistan Office has supported the Government of Tajikistan in seven development projects with focus on agriculture, infrastructure and vocational training since 2022.