Quarterly Report (April-June 2009) Inma Agribusiness Program

The program's overall goal is to establish a competitive and sustainable agricultural sector in Iraq, reducing the country's reliance on imports and increasing domestic production of crops and livestock. To achieve this goal, Inma is working with provincial reconstruction teams (PRTs), embedded provincial reconstruction teams (ePRTs), the US military, and Iraqi farmers to improve agricultural productivity and competitiveness. The program's specific objectives include increasing the production and quality of crops and livestock, improving post-harvest handling and storage, and enhancing the competitiveness of Iraqi agricultural products in domestic and international markets. To achieve these objectives, Inma is implementing a range of activities, including the establishment of modern feedlots, irrigation systems, and post-harvest packing sheds. The program is also providing technical assistance to farmers and agricultural cooperatives to improve their skills and knowledge in areas such as crop management, animal husbandry, and marketing. Inma is supporting ten demonstration feedlots around Iraq, which will serve as models for other farmers and agricultural producers. The feedlots will be equipped with modern facilities and equipment, including irrigation systems, feeding systems, and veterinary services. In addition, Inma is providing training and technical assistance to farmers and agricultural cooperatives to improve their skills and knowledge in areas such as animal husbandry, nutrition, and health management. The program is also focusing on the development of the agricultural value chain, including the production, processing, and marketing of crops and livestock. Inma is working with farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and private sector companies to improve the quality and quantity of agricultural products, and to enhance their competitiveness in domestic and international markets. The program is also providing support to farmers and agricultural cooperatives to access markets and to improve their access to finance and other resources. Inma is also working to improve the regulatory framework for agriculture in Iraq, including the development of policies and regulations that support the growth of the agricultural sector. The program is also providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Planning to improve their capacity to support the development of the agricultural sector. The Inma Agribusiness Program is being implemented by a consortium led by The Louis Berger Group, Inc. under Contract No. 267-C-00-07-00500-00. The program is being managed by a team of experienced professionals, including Ross Wherry, Chief of Party, Shehnaz Atcha, Program Manager, and Tracy Atwood, Deputy Chief of Party - Technical Program. The program's progress is being monitored and evaluated through a performance monitoring plan (PMP), which includes a range of indicators and benchmarks to measure the program's performance and impact. Overall, the Inma Agribusiness Program is a critical initiative aimed at promoting economic diversification and agricultural development in Iraq. The program's focus on improving agricultural productivity and competitiveness, and its support for the development of the agricultural value chain, make it an important contribution to the growth and development of the Iraqi economy.