Dashoguz, 25-26 April 2019: UNDP Resident Representative a.i. in Turkmenistan paid a working visit to the pilot region of Dashoguz, in the framework of the GEF-UNDP project “Supporting climate resilient livelihoods in agricultural communities in drought-prone areas of Turkmenistan”.

During the mission Ms. Natsvlishvili visited Yagtylyk farm association and Garagum cattle breeding farm of Gorogly district of Dashoguz region. In the pilot areas, Ms. Natsvlishvili met with local authorities, residents, local farmers and cattle breeders – beneficiaries of the project and discussed the impact that the project has made in the last two years.

Project staff and local experts have demonstrated the infrastructure that the project has put in place and highlighted the impact that it has made in the pilot region. It was underlined that the project support came instrumental in treating degraded land, reducing soil salinization, decreasing levels of , underground water, and rising agriculture produce.

Ms. Natsvlishvili also met with local authorities and visited the Turkmen Agricultural Institute in the city of Dashoguz. It was highlighted that  partnership with the local academic and research capacities shall further increase awareness about the sustainable agriculture practices and support local farmers in applying their knowledge in practice.

“It gives me a great pleasure to see that our work and investment bring positive change to the regions where we work. I am personally committed to ensuring that the change that we bring is sustainable, raising the living standards of the local population and addresses challenges bringing along by the climate change,” noted Ms. Natsvlishvili.

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UNDP/GEF project works in one of the driest regions of the country influenced by Aral Sea disaster to overcome the critical barriers that prevent reducing the vulnerability to climate change induced water stress and other environmental hazards in the agricultural sector.

The project has cleaned up 30 km long drainage canal which improved productivity of 2954 ha, reducing level of salinization and ground waters. At the same time, land leveling of 25 ha of farming land ensured yield surplus by roughly 30%.