KABUL (Pajhwok): Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Mawlawi Ataullah Omari and UNDP Resident Representative Stephen Rodriques have emphasised expanding cooperation in agriculture, irrigation, livelihood development and infrastructure projects.
Omari met Rodriques in Kabul, the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) said in a statement.
It said the two sides discussed strengthening cooperation in agriculture, irrigation, livelihood development and infrastructure projects.
Rodriques presented an overview of UNDP activities in Afghanistan, noting the organisation had implemented two major projects focusing on alternative livelihoods and rural development.
He said that, under the alternative livelihoods project, chemical fertiliser had been distributed to 2,000 farmers, greenhouses established, agricultural markets constructed and various support programmes implemented for the farming sector.
Rodriques added that, under the rural development programme, 270 infrastructure projects, including irrigation canals, check dams and other water facilities, had been implemented across the country. These projects had contributed to improving water resource management, agricultural development, mechanisation and increasing the incomes of rural households.
For his part, Omari thanked UNDP for its continued cooperation and stressed the effective use of the completed projects, saying the ministry remained committed to working with development partners to strengthen the agriculture sector and improve the livelihoods of farmers and livestock owners.
He also said the ministry was working to increase domestic agricultural production and reduce imports. To support local producers, tariffs on the import of certain products, including vegetables, fruit and powdered milk, had been increased to help improve the economic conditions of farmers and livestock owners.
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