The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in the Republic of Moldova has initiated a new phase of emergency agricultural assistance for vulnerable smallholder farmers and households struggling with the effects of the 2022 drought and the ongoing regional crisis.
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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in the Republic of Moldova, in collaboration with the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the operational unit of Austrian Development Cooperation, the Government of Japan and the Government of Switzerland, has initiated a new phase of emergency agricultural assistance for vulnerable smallholder farmers and households struggling with the effects of the 2022 drought and the ongoing regional crisis.
In the spring of 2024, 622 rural communities will receive essential agricultural resources such as vegetable seed kits, seed potato tubers, and cattle fodder.
Highlighting the dire need for cattle feed, Tudor Robu, FAO Assistant Representative in the Republic of Moldova, stated, “this assistance is crucial for the vulnerable families that rely on their livestock for their basic food needs.”
To this end, nearly 2 500 individual beneficiaries owning from one to five cows will receive 400 kg of compound animal feed, providing a lifeline until the new pasturing season begins.
The initiative will reach 12 000 pre-selected vulnerable beneficiaries in critical need of support.
Eight rayons will receive vegetable seed kits distribution: Soroca, Hincesti, Orhei, Cantemir, Riscani, Floresti, Edinet, and Drochia. Five rayons will receive potato seeds: Orhei, Cantemir, Stefan Voda, Edinet, and Riscani; and four rayons will receive animal feed: Cimislia, Falesti, Stefan Voda, and Soldanesti.
The vegetable seed kits will be distributed in February, at the beginning of the planting season.
Designed for small-scale operations, each kit supports vegetable production under plastic tunnels ranging from 50 to 1 000 m² and includes a selection of tomato and cucumber seeds, fertilizer for drip irrigation, pheromone diffusers, and cell trays for seedling production.
Additionally, in spring 2024, nearly 8 000 households will receive each 50 kg of seed potato tubers, sufficient to cover a 200 m² area.
In addition to agricultural inputs distribution, FAO will train farmers in climate-smart agriculture technologies and practical income-generating activities, with a target of inclusion of nearly 200 women agricultural producers. ■