Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

The World Bank (WB) plans to allocate $22 million for reformation of Tajikistan's agricultural sector, Tajik media reported on February 18.

This issue is expected to be discussed by the WB's Board of Directors this June.

The aim of the project is to strengthen the farmers' ability to adapt to market mechanisms. The major directions of the project are to provide support for local farmers, to commercialize agriculture and agribusiness in the country.

The project foresees the allocation of grants and credits, as well as consulting assistance to local entrepreneurs.

The WB, as one of Tajikistan's long-standing partners, has provided approximately $900 million in grants from International Development Association and trust fund resources to Tajikistan since 1996.

The largest share of the bank's current portfolio is in agriculture and rural development (34 percent), followed by water (19 percent), energy (16 percent), public sector management and economic policy (10 percent), education (8 percent), health and social protection (8 percent), and private sector development (5 percent).

The WB Group is committed to further support Tajikistan as it strives to improve the lives of its people and meet the aspirations of its young and growing population. The bank intends to continue working with the Tajik government on reforms that have contributed to better delivery of social services and greater opportunities for farmers and businesses.