Animal husbandry is the main source of livelihood for 80% of the population in the project area. Increase of the household income for production and purchase of foodstuffs largely depends on livestock breeding. Improving the fodder supply, which directly influences on animal productivity, was the main objective of the project. It was achieved through creation of revolving seed funds on the basis of households with relevant experience, material and technical base.
The project provided farms with seeds and fertilizers for sale among local farmers on a repayable basis. The seed funds controlled the whole process - from the beginning of sowing to harvesting - which increased the benefits for both farmers and the funds themselves. The following activities were conducted as part of the project: seed recipient farmers were selected, work was conducted on resource allocation, monitoring and control of repayment, and the capacity of seed fund members was enhanced.
Ten revolving seed funds were established in five rayons: Alai, Chon-Alai, Batken, Naryn and At-Bashy. As a result of purchasing, storing raw materials and processing agricultural products, potentially more than 3,000 rural community members (30% women) have gained access to food and livelihoods.
Fifty field agronomists and farmers were trained in agro-technology and the quality assessment of fodder crop seeds for seed farms, breeding and feeding of livestock, etc. Specialists from the Kyrgyz National Agrarian University and CAMP Alatoo PF acted as mentors and trainers. The participants of trainings disseminated knowledge among consumers of seed funds. They also received practical instruction on land preparation and fodder sowing method.
To exchange information between seed funds participating in the project, a special account (chat bot) “Mol Tushum” - @mol_tushum_bot was created and launched in the Telegram application. Electronic versions of manuals on animal feeding and seed production have been uploaded to the chat bot.
