The Most Effective Project since Independence

Bumacov Vasile
Technical Director of 2KR Project (Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry of the Republic of Moldova)

Japan's Grant Assistance for Underprivileged Farmers has been the most effective project since the independence of Moldova in 1991. The project that was started in 2000 has spread throughout the country within 4-5 years of its commencement. It was such that small-scale farmers, who had no collateral, were unable to borrow money from the bank for the acquisition of farm machines. However, with the project they can own a tractor even without collateral and additional interest. They can pay for the tractor in installments, making them eligible right away to own the tractor.

Thus, more than 1,000 farmers or farmers' organizations now had access to agricultural machines and tools that gave rise to new types of work. Capital generated through such activities was invested in land clearing that would sustain more than 200,000 peasants. These practical accomplishments were highly appreciated by each of the aid-giving nations and by international organizations. The JICS procurement work involved assessing demands of the farmers through interview, managing properly the bidding of prices, etc.

There were many lessons learned, and such benefits brought about major changes in Moldova.

Millions of people of Moldova are grateful to Japan.

(Edit: September, 2008)