IFAD TO CONTINUE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS IN ARMENIA
ARKA
Apr 1, 2009
YEREVAN, April 1. /ARKA/. The Board of Trustees of the International
Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) plans to continue agricultural
development programs in Armenia, Henning Pederson, IFAD Rural
Economic Development Programs Executive, stated at his meting with RA
Vice-Premier, Minister of Territorial Administration Armen Gevorgyan.
The public Relations Department, RA Ministry of Territorial
Development, reports that Pederson stated the programs will be
continued with a focus on infrastructure development and introduction
of high technologies, especially in the irrigation system.
The sides also discussed the IFAD-implemented agricultural programs
in Armenia.
Minister Gevorgyan pointed out that the programs have proved to be
effective over the last few years. Specifically, valuable services
are known available in communities.
The sides also pointed out the importance of providing information
on the programs.
IFAD has facilitated a number of programs in Armenia. Among the recent
programs is the formation of a US $8mln venture fund for agribusiness
crediting. The venture fund is one of the two components of the
program of market opportunities for farmers, which is IFAD’s fifth
investment program in Armenia.
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a
specialized agency of the United Nations, was established as an
international financial institution in201977 as one of the major
outcomes of the 1974 World Food Conference.
Since it was established, IFAD has provided US $10bln as soft loans
and grants under over 700 projects and programs to support 300mln
poor people in rural communities worldwide.