KABUL(BNA): The Acting Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, Mawlawi Attaullah Omari, met with Stephen Rodriques, the representative for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Surayo Buzurukova, Deputy of the Program in Afghanistan, to discuss the implementation of projects in irrigation and alternative livelihoods for farmers.
During the meeting, Mawlawi Attaullah Omari highlighted the urgent needs of the agricultural sector and requested increased UNDP support for irrigation infrastructure. He stressed the importance of aiding farmers transitioning from poppy cultivation to alternative crops to create sustainable livelihoods.
Stephen Rodriques assured the Ministry of Agriculture of UNDP’s cooperation, agreeing with proposals on water management and alternative livelihoods. He noted UNDP’s support from Japan for irrigation and mentioned efforts to draft a plan to attract global donors’ attention to alternative livelihoods.
Rodrigues mentioned the CBARD project’s activities, supported by UNDP, and announced the new ABADEI project in agriculture and livestock. He requested office space for UNDP and related organizations within the Ministry of Agriculture, and the acting minister assured the provision of necessary facilities.
Bakhtar
