Ashgabat, 20-21 August 2021: In the framework of the project "Supporting climate resilient livelihoods in agricultural communities in drought-prone areas of Turkmenistan" jointly implemented by the United Nations Development Programmed (UNDP), the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan and GEF Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF), the trainings on the development of greenhouse facilities and worm cultivation on household plots have been conducted on 20-21 August 2021 in Lebap and Dashoguz velayats of the country.

The events, which gathered local farmers, representatives of the hakimliks (Municipality offices), the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, the Turkmen Agricultural Institute in Dashoguz and the Nature Protection Society of Turkmenistan, aimed at demonstrating sustainable practices and improving skills in the development of greenhouse farming and worm cultivation as a natural animal protein for breeding poultry in household plots. The UNDP experts introduced an innovative approach in the green house farming through demonstrating the example of growing vegetables (cucumbers and tomatoes) based on the international best practices.

“This practical training gave us the opportunity to get answers to many questions related to greenhouse management on the plots. I think that all participants will actively disseminate the acquired knowledge among other farmers, since the demonstrated technologies are very affordable and cost-effective. I would like such practical workshops to be held regularly among local residents”- noted Gulistan Halmyradova, an owner of the new polycarbonate greenhouse purchased within the cooperation of the USAID Competitiveness, Trade, and Jobs (CTJ) Activity in Central Asia implemented by DAI -Development Alternatives Incorporated.

The practical trainings are an important component of the project Annual work plan for 2021 directed at introducing the modern methods of greenhouse management to local farmers to promote stronger local livelihoods through sustainable use of water, land and biodiversity.

To stimulate local economic growth and implement the best and most climate-resilient practices UNDP Turkmenistan project partners with various development agencies to increase incomes of local communities and contribute to food security. The abovementioned practical trainings have been organized with the technical support of UNDP project partners - Government Support Program, funded by the USAID.

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A joint project between UNDP and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan " Supporting climate resilient livelihoods in agricultural communities in drought-prone areas of Turkmenistan" was launched in 2016 and aims to support adoption of adaptation measures with climate change considerations for sustainable development of agricultural communities living in Lebap and Dashoguz velayats of Turkmenistan. The added value of the project is that the project will allow farmers in one of the country's driest regions to overcome critical barriers that prevent them from reducing their vulnerability to acute water scarcity due to climate change and other natural risks in agriculture.