TİKA Supports Forage Plant Cultivation in Mongolia

As part of the project “Support for Forage Plant Cultivation,” implemented by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and the Dean's Office of the School of Animal Science and Biotechnology at the Mongolian University of Life Sciences, cultivation areas of a total of 10 hectares were created with the alfalfa (Medicago sativa) seeds and equipment provided by Turkey.

Due to the harsh winter conditions and the presence of approximately 80 million animals, the livestock industry is vital for the Mongolian economy. The increase of 2.74 degrees in air temperature in Mongolia due to global warming led to a number of problems in summer such as drought and lack of forage and created difficulties for the country’s economic infrastructure and animal owners.

Launched in 2017 with the aim of sharing Turkey’s experience in animal husbandry and forage cultivation with Mongolia, the project is implemented based on the positive results of the plant trials carried out for 3 years in different regions of Mongolia in line with the feasibility report prepared by Turkish agriculturists by examining the soil structure and climatic conditions of Mongolia.

As part of the project implemented in the districts of Altanbulag and Bornuur in Töv Province through two methods, namely irrigated and dry farming, 10 hectares of trial area was fenced, and an irrigation system, a motor-pump, a feed press machine, a backpack sprayer, and laboratory equipment to be used in scientific studies were provided to the School of Animal Science and Biotechnology at the Mongolian University of Life Sciences. In addition, local certified alfalfa seeds were provided by the General Directorate of Agricultural Enterprises of Turkey.

Vice Dean of the School of Animal Science and Biotechnology at the Mongolian University of Life Sciences Dr. Gürbazar Damdinsüren said, “With the support of Turkey and TİKA, we have been trying to grow a species of forage plant suitable for the climate conditions in Mongolia for 3 years. As a result of years of plant trials and scientific studies, we achieved positive results. Today, we are launching the next phase of the project. With the project, a new species of alfalfa that is rich in protein and suitable for the climate conditions in Mongolia will be grown, and thus, farmers will be provided with a sufficient amount of forage. I would like to express my gratitude to Turkey for sharing its experience in this field and to TİKA for providing all kinds of support.”