BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 14. Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing CAREC countries knowledge and financing to promote best practices and transfer of technology for more climate adaptive agriculture and improved water resources management, Yasmin Siddiqi, Central and West Asia Director for Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture at ADB told Trend.
Siddiqi noted that countries in the region have implemented immediate short-term measures to ease food inflation such as the introduction of agriculture subsidies on basic items like fertilizers, and halted exports of products like wheat. However, holistic medium and long-term measures need to be adopted to maximize agricultural productivity and enable agricultural trade that will help address the food needs of countries in the region. Cooperation between CAREC member countries is essential in this regard.
“ADB is supporting the CAREC Program – a partnership of 11 countries and development partners – which facilitates knowledge sharing and close collaboration between its members to promote agriculture development and enhance food security in the region. ADB is providing CAREC countries knowledge and financing to promote best practices and transfer of technology for more climate adaptive agriculture and improved water resources management. This includes building climate-resilient productive infrastructure. The bank is also strengthening the capacity of farmers, especially women who play a crucial role in agriculture,” she said.
In her words, CAREC has advised on strengthening food safety standards in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan to align them with international standards. It has also helped countries simplify, digitalize, and harmonize customs and border crossing procedures. These measures will contribute to increased agricultural trade within and to/from the region.
“The ultimate goal is to have viable and resilient food systems in CAREC countries as these will ensure adequate supply of food at affordable prices. These systems need to be resilient to supply and demand shocks and market volatility. Regional cooperation will play a vital role in improving agricultural productivity, expanding growth potential and trade, and facilitating the integration of CAREC countries into regional and global value chains,” she added.
The CAREC Program is a partnership of 11 countries and development partners working together to promote sustainable development through cooperation. Launched in 2001, CAREC proactively facilitates practical, results-based regional projects and policy initiatives to accelerate economic growth and reduce poverty in the region.
CAREC’s members include Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Pakistan, the People’s Republic of China, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. ADB hosts the CAREC Secretariat.