Jiangxi Integrated Agricultural Modernization Project

closed

The development objective of the project is to improve the livelihood of rural households in Jiangxi Province through establishment of integrated, economically and environmentally sustainable, and market-driven agricultural production systems focusing on productivity and agricultural output of high quality and value. The project has the following four components: Component 1) Irrigation and Drainage objectives are to: (a) ensure sustainable use of land and water resources for irrigated agriculture; (b) increase agricultural productivity and reduce risks in production; and (c) demonstrate a model of on-farm irrigation development for agricultural modernization. The component would include (i) physical construction that comprises rehabilitation and extension of existing irrigation works; and (ii) institutional support for a more efficient and sustainable operation and maintenance of the infrastructure, and the land and water resources for irrigated agriculture. Component 2) The Farm Production Improvement component will support improved agricultural production. The component would specifically target those farmers who benefit from the Irrigation and Drainage Component. Component 3) Market Systems Development component will: (a) increase farmers' access to markets; (b) add value to farm products; (c) ensure efficient processing and delivery of high value products from producers to consumers; and (d) reduce transaction costs. The Component would focus on activities that add value to the investments in irrigation and drainage and in improved agricultural production, consisting of: (i) financial support to agro-enterprises and leading households; (ii) construction, rehabilitation or up-grading of agricultural product markets; (iii) promotion of quality standards and improvements of market information systems; and (iv) promotion of farmers' marketing groups (farmers' professional associations). Component 4) Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation component will develop and strengthen the overall implementation capacity of the various levels of project management and promote effective community participation in project activities. The component includes: (i) project management; (ii) institutional strengthening of PMOS (goods and training); (iii) establishment of a monitoring and evaluation system that includes environmental and social indicators (technical assistance and training); and (iv) development of community advisory/participation groups (technical assistance and training).