Moldova Gets Tractor Boost, Launches Fertilizer Program
Moldova has received its latest shipment of tractors purchased through the ongoing "Agricultural Equipment Modernization Project."
Beneficiaries will receive the Japanese agricultural machinery at competitive prices through instalment purchase contracts.
The project also officially launched on Thursday. This initiative, titled "Providing Farmers with Fertilisers," involves distributing approximately two thousand tons of fertiliser from Japan at preferential prices.
Japanese Ambassador to Moldova, Yamada Yoichiro, expressed his appreciation for the work of Moldovan farmers and the Ministry of Agriculture's efforts in supporting those affected by recent weather events. The diplomat believes this agricultural equipment and fertiliser will aid the farmers in their work.
"As part of this agreement, 72 smaller tractors and a variety of post-harvest machinery have already been delivered from Japan to Moldova," said Yamada Yoichiro.
Moldovan Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, Vladimir Bolea, highlighted the increasing focus on supporting farmers in the coming years. "An analysis of how these funds are managed, along with the ever-growing number of financial resources and programs each year, suggests that this implementation and financing method represents the future of Moldova's agricultural sector," explained Bolea.
He further emphasised the importance of programs for small and micro-farmers. "Support programs for these farmers will undoubtedly see exponential growth in the coming years within the agricultural sector. After all, these are the individuals who underpin Moldovan agriculture, who develop the villages and breathe life into our rural communities," explained Vladimir Bolea.
Director of the Agency for Development and Modernization of Agriculture, Maxim Popov, shared details on the achievements of the "Agricultural Equipment Modernization Project" thus far. "We are talking about 260 unique farmers who have received financing, including 153 young people and women. A total of 450 pieces of agricultural equipment and machinery have been financed, including 16 tractors and 21 combines. The contracts associated with this project are valued at over 460 million lei. This project is one of seven managed by our agency and is financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency," specified Maxim Popov.
The "Providing Farmers with Fertilisers" project is also managed by the Agency for Development and Modernization of Agriculture. Earlier this year, the Moldovan government approved a draft law ratifying the Grant Agreement signed with Japan for the project's implementation. This agreement provides Moldova with non-reimbursable assistance of €1.9 million, allowing farmers to benefit from fertilisers at reduced prices with the option of instalment payments without requiring property as collateral.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
