The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $1 million technical assistance grant to prepare a proposed investment project to modernize irrigation and drainage systems in the lower Vakhsh River basin in Tajikistan.

According to the ADB Tajikistan Resident Mission (TJRM), agriculture accounts for 20% of the Tajikistan gross domestic product and employs about 51% of the population.

With only 7% of land being arable and underdeveloped agriculture with low yields, the country reportedly has one of the highest levels of food insecurity in Central Asia.  Irrigation and drainage infrastructure is dilapidated further constraining agricultural productivity.

The technical assistance grant will develop feasibility studies of the Yovon and Qumsangir irrigation and drainage systems.  The feasibility studies will identify proposed project interventions and include technical, environmental, social, economic, and financial assessments.

ADB’s first assistance to Tajikistan was in 1998 to support post-conflict reconstruction. Since then, ADB has mobilized over $1.8 billion for the country, including more than $1.3 billion in grants. The assistance has helped improve the country’s transport and energy infrastructure, support social development, expand agricultural production, and strengthen regional cooperation and trade.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.