2001/02 IFDC Corporate Report
Date
2002
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Publisher
IFDC
Abstract
The goal of the IFDC initiative in Afghanistan, which is highlighted in this study, is to guarantee Afghan farmers have access to sufficient quantities of high-quality fertilizers. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing funding for the project, which aims to keep the agricultural market stable by permitting local dealers to distribute fertilizers. Over 70,000 farmers received fertilizer vouchers for an improved variety of wheat seeds through cooperation with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like the International Medical Corps (IMC), ACTED, FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance, GRSP, and Solidarites. Local dealers accepted the coupons for redemption, and IFDC repaid them. 3,500 metric tons of urea fertilizer were to be distributed as part of the initiative throughout seven regions in central, eastern, and northeastern Afghanistan. The fertilizer is given to farmers who then reimburse the town committee or shura for the cost, with the money raised going toward regional development projects. Three primary issues are also addressed by IFDC: farmers' limited access to credit, transportation obstacles brought on by great distances and bad roads, and the lack of information about contemporary agricultural methods. In addition to offering farmers training, the concept involves local dealers in educating their clientele. The project projects how much fertilizer will be needed in the fall of 2002 to sustain wheat production on about 680,000 hectares of irrigated land.
Description
Keywords
Agribusiness, Trade Associations