Quarterly Report Q2 FY 2011: AGRICULTURAL LINKAGES PROJECT (AGLINKS UZBEKISTAN)

The project began in 2009 and has been operating under a contract with DAI. In January 2011, the project received a no-cost extension through January 31, 2012, allowing it to continue activities through the completion of the 2011 agricultural year. Technical activities during the second quarter of FY 2011 focused on introducing new technologies and techniques to improve orchard and vineyard output. These included on-farm cold storage using CoolBot technology, drip irrigation, importation of new disease-resistant, high-yielding plant material from the US, bee pollination of orchards, new trellising methods, pruning and grafting, and pest and disease control. The project also continued to budget accurately, remaining within the FY 2011 work plan and closely monitoring expenditures against its obligations and commitments. The project team leader, Chris Reynolds, visited Uzbekistan in March 2011 to monitor project progress and discuss activities with project staff and partners. During his visit, he made field visits to partner AgriFirms and Water User Associations and attended representative field training sessions. Project staff also regularly meet and work with other development partners and programs to exchange ideas, identify and initiate mutually beneficial activities in technical assistance, training opportunities, and financing options. One such partnership is with USAID's Community Connection program, which is sponsoring a "Food Safety – Farm to Fork" session in April 2011. AgLinks staff assisted nine Uzbek participants with visa applications, medical processes, and other preparations for travel. The participants include representatives from local processors, the Ministry of Agriculture, Tashkent testing laboratory, and private farmers. AgLinks staff member Shuhrat Abrorov was also invited to assist with the program, providing technical and administrative support, as well as translation services. The project also collaborated with the USDA Cochran Fellowship, which aims to improve agricultural productivity and market access for smallholder farmers. AgLinks staff members participated in the fellowship program, gaining knowledge and skills to improve their work in Uzbekistan. The project's budget projections submitted with the FY 2011 work plan remain valid, with the project averaging just $1,000 more per month than projected over the first six months of FY 2011.