After the switch from the centralised to the market oriented economy, the crop sector regressed in Mongolia and it took several years to recover. Despite steadily growing production and consumption, the vegetable sector is not self-sufficient and Mongolia imports around 40% of its vegetables from China. Developing agriculture as an alternative to mining is a priority for the government. Challenges in production, storage, processing, marketing and legal framework are however affecting the vegetable sector, which has still a growing potential to ensure better livelihood for the farmers and the supply of locally grown vegetables for the consumers.

The project will contribute to improved livelihood of vegetable growers (especially small-scale farmers in rural areas and poor households in urban/peri-urban areas) through inclusive, gender balanced and sustainable growth of the vegetable sector.

• Vegetable growers (63’000) all over the country and consumers in UB, Darkhan, and Erdenet (around 100’000)
• 7’000 vegetable farmers in 24 selected soums in the central vegetable growing area (at least 30% of them with less than 1ha)
• 100 vegetable seed producers in 2 soums (Uvs aimag)
• 3’000 households in UB (3 districts), Erdenet and Darkhan (at least 40% under poverty line)
• Gender targeting: at least 20% women headed households

• Domestic vegetable production of farmers, is increased through better varieties, seeds, improved technology and available know-how
• Income of vegetable farmers, especially small scale farmers and women headed households is increased through improved and inclusive markets for vegetables
• Vegetable production and consumption of poor households in urban and peri-urban areas are improved through vegetable gardening
• Policy/legal and institutional framework of the vegetable sector is improved

Principaux résultats attendus:  

• Quality seeds of improved varieties are available locally at a low price
• Farmers are making use of improved techniques, equipment, irrigation, knowledge
• Knowledge is shared among farmers
• Collective actions for marketing are promoted
• Marketing channels are well managed
• Improved access to market information
• Processing initiatives are supported
• Increased number of households in ger districts engaged in vegetable production
• Consumption of vegetables is encouraged
• Improved access to inputs, training and equipment
• Legal basis for organic farming, IPM, pesticides are developed
• Civil servants have enhanced capacities on policies and regulatory framework
• Standards on food safety and certification are developed

Principaux résultats antérieurs:  

During the exit phase of the Mongolian potato program, 690’000 CHF were invested in the vegetable sector for variety tests, seed production, support for storages and processing facilities, and the establishment of local seed shops. Although promising, these results do not have yet sufficient weight to make a real impact.
The project builts on the successful results of 10 years SDC support of the potato sector with impressive results (new and high performing varieties introduced and disseminated, seed production system established, yield and production increased, farmers trained, local organisations established, imports of potatoes reduced and consumption almost tripled).

• Official Research Stations: Institute of Plant Protection (IPP), Institute of Plant and Agricultural Sciences (PSARTI)
• Donors/international NGO’s: ADB, KOICA, IFAD, ADRA, World Vision, GERES, Caritas

• Urban Governance Project and UB city authorities (SDC)
• Vocational Education Training project phase II (SDC)
• Education for sustainable development (ESD) and selected schools in GER districts (SDC)
• EU/FAO Support Employment in Mongolia (SECiM)

Phase 1 01.03.2016 - 31.07.2020   (Completed)