In 2016 and 2017, the SDC-funded Mongolian Vegetable Project supported the establishment of three extension centres in Bornuur soum, Tuv aimag, and Orkhon and Mandal soums in Selenge aimag to deliver agricultural know-how, current technology and advisory services to local smallholder farmers.
Having locally accessible agricultural extension centres is important for farmers in these areas, who make up the majority of the more than 45,000 Mongolian vegetable growers. They supply the biggest share of fresh vegetables to the Mongolian consumer market. However, they generally lack up-to-date knowledge on growing vegetables and technical farming skills.
The extension centres offer farmers tailored trainings, demonstrations and hands-on instruction in new vegetable production technologies and plant protection and care at the centres’ demonstration fields. They also provide farmers with knowledge and access to newly released seeds of promising vegetable varieties, which were introduced with project support. Small-scale farmers also benefit from the rental and servicing of equipment.
More than 500 farmers in 2016 and 800 farmers in 2017 received from six to eight trainings and other services in Orkhon soum, including the provision of advice, technical support and agricultural inputs.
Six farmers were trained as trainers, and subsequently conducted workshops on “Integrated pest management” and “Organic farming” for more than 60 farmers. The centres also host consultants and advisors, who provide on-site coaching to farmers on vegetable production. Because agronomists at the centres also play an important role in bringing extension services to farmers, the project has focused on agronomists’ trainings on agricultural extension operations and management and demand-based extension services.
In addition to providing knowledge for improved agricultural productivity, the extension centres also offer a range of new services, such as linking smallholder farmers to high-value markets and better product marketing. “The local extension centre allows our farmers to enjoy access to knowledge and inputs locally,” said Mrs. Batmyadag, head of the extension centre in Orkhon soum.
The centres will be self-sustainable by the end of project, and are already generating income from the sales of seeds and other outputs, tool and equipment rental, training and advisory services, and income-generating production activities.
Mrs Batmyadag said their extension centre could earn more than MNT 3 million from the rental of equipment to member farmers.
The Inclusive Vegetable Production and Marketing Project is implemented by the Mongolian Farmers For Rural Development Association.
