IRRIGATED AREAS AGRICULTURE SERVICES

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The Irrigated Areas Agricultural Services Project objectives are to: (a) raise agricultural production and farmers' incomes in the irrigated areas with special efforts to reach women who are mainly responsible for livestock management; (b) improve the operating efficiency of the Regional Authority for Agricultural Development's (ORMVA's) agricultural services; (c) promote commodity and service oriented farmer organizations to take on development responsibilities; and (d) involve the university teaching/research staff in field extension and research. The project includes: (a) the transfer of technology including the strengthening of adaptive research, agricultural extension and womens' programs with provision for staff training, infrastructure, vehicles and equipment, the contracting out of some extension and research activities, technical assistance and incremental operating costs; (b) provision of supporting services to farmers including soils and plant analysis, pest and disease warning system, and testing/demonstration of small equipment; (c) the promotion of farmers' organizations with provision for technical assistance, training and initial investments; (d) monitoring and evaluation of agricultural development in the irrigated areas; and (e) studies.