Tajikistan is exploring the procedure for joining AFACI – the Asian Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative.

On March 6, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Agriculture of Tajikistan between Deputy Minister of Agriculture Nigina Anvari and AFACI Deputy Secretary-General Kuk-Hwan.

According to Ministry of Agriculture (MoA)’s press service, the parties discussed prospects for strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture, focusing on the development of livestock farming, crop production, and advisory services.

Both sides agreed to define priority areas for collaboration to enhance agricultural cooperation.  Special emphasis was placed on adapting and implementing advanced technologies that could improve Tajikistan’s agro-industrial sector.

Additionally, they highlighted the importance of further institutional-level cooperation, which would enable Tajikistan to make more effective use of AFACI’s resources and ensure sustainable agricultural development in the country.

Potential benefits of AFACI membership for Tajikistan

Cooperation with AFACI could significantly expand Tajikistan’s research and practical capabilities in the agricultural sector, attract new investments, and introduce modern technologies.  Membership in AFACI would open new opportunities for Tajikistan’s agriculture, allowing the country to implement advanced agro-technologies, develop organic farming, create efficient rural service systems, and improve water resource management.

One of the key advantages would be access to innovative farming methods already successfully used in other member countries, fostering knowledge exchange and technology transfer.

Furthermore, membership in the organization would facilitate the development of agricultural clusters, improving supply chains for farmers and agribusinesses.  Water cooperation, including experience-sharing on sustainable water use in transboundary basins, would be another crucial aspect.  The promotion of organic farming would also be a priority, ensuring the adoption of sustainable agricultural technologies and supporting the production of environmentally friendly products.

AFACI key projects and their impact on Asia

AFACI’s projects are aimed at advancing agriculture across Asia and cover various sectors.

Asian Food Composition Database (AFCD) establishes a database on the nutritional value of region-specific food products.

Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) collects and analyzes data on local livestock breeds.

Asian Network for Sustainable Organic Farming Technology (ANSOFT) promoted eco-friendly agricultural methods.

Agricultural Technology Information Network in Asia (ATIN) develops a centralized database of agricultural knowledge.

Integrated Management of Plant Genetic Resources (IMPGR) focuses on preserving and efficiently using plant genetic diversity.

Postharvest Project aims to reduce post-harvest losses, improve storage conditions, and enhance product quality.

Seed-Extension Project distributes high-quality seeds to farmers.

Seed-Potato Project supports the potato industry by introducing virus-free seed production technologies.

Asian Soil Atlas studies soil resources in the region.

Rice Pest Management (RPH) Project works on protecting rice fields from pests.

By joining AFACI, Tajikistan stands to benefit from these initiatives, gaining access to global agricultural expertise and resources that can help modernize its agricultural sector and boost productivity.

The Asian Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (AFACI) is an inter-governmental and multilateral cooperation body that aims to improve food production and promote sustainable agriculture in Asian countries through knowledge and technology transfer and sharing.  To realize its goals, AFACI Implements, manages, funds, and coordinates multilateral projects, international trainings, program workshops, and symposia.

Currently, AFACI is composed of 15 member-countries, namely: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Korea.

The AFACI Secretariat is based at the International Technology Cooperation Center (ITCC), Rural Development Administration in Jeonju, Korea.