AID grant no. 306-0201-G-00-6015-00 to Volunteers in Technical Assistance to promote agricultural development activities inside Afghanistan

The project will be implemented in two phases. During Phase I (expected to last 6 months), VITA will field teams of agricultural extension agents and engineers to work through traditional organizations to supply goods and services to the agricultural sector. Goods provided will include: improved seeds and fertilizers; herbicides and insecticides; animal breeding stock; farm equipment; and water pumps and other equipment. The teams will train farmers in the use of these goods and will also improve irrigation structures. Phase II will build on the experience of Phase I, extending assistance to more areas. It may include such activities as the introduction of simple equipment to dig or rehabilitate karezes and canals, the provision of credit, new crop technologies, and improved livestock breeds, and training in equipment use and new tool development. Further, VITA will work to strengthen capabilities of the Afghan Food Production Organization to provide sustained TA to the project areas.