ADB approves USD17 mln grant to digitalize livestock farming in Tajikistan

The financing includes a $14 million grant from the Asian Development Fund and a $3 million grant from the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific (JFPR) financed by the Government of Japan through ADB.

Tajikistan’s agriculture sector has grown steadily, employing more than 40% of the working population and contributing more than 20% to the economy. Livestock is especially important, with most animals raised by small households. But climate challenges, outdated veterinary services, and limited digital tools make it harder for livestock farmers to succeed—especially women, who are often the ones caring for the animals.

“Through this project, ADB will support Tajikistan to modernize livestock farming by introducing a national digital livestock system, improving veterinary services, and upgrading pasture areas to better handle climate risks,” said ADB Country Director for Tajikistan Ko Sakamoto. “This means farmers will have healthier animals and earn more money, people will eat better food, and women will have more chances to lead in animal farming.”

The project will set up a national digital livestock system to track animal health, control livestock movement, and certify animals for domestic markets or exports. It will also help modernize public breeding and veterinary services in pilot districts to meet commercial standards and attract private investment. Part of this will be the improvement of a national artificial insemination center and the establishment of a facility for safe storage of genetic material.

Mobile clinics and regional veterinary centers will be equipped with diagnostic tools and will serve to strengthen vaccine cold chains. To strengthen veterinary services, the project will modernize training schools, offer scholarships to women veterinarians, and create a national network of women veterinarians.

The project will improve pasture management to make it more climate resilient. This includes creating a national digital pasture health map, upgrading a pilot animal migration point with shelters and washing stations, and providing mobile facilities for veterinary care. Communities will be trained to manage pastures and plan sustainable grazing.

The Ministry of Agriculture will be the executing and implementing agency for the project, with the Committee for Food Security supporting veterinary services. The project completion is targeted by 2031.

Tajikistan joined ADB in 1998. The ADB–Tajikistan partnership has delivered tangible results to the people of Tajikistan—from upgrading critical transport links such as the Obigarm–Nurobod, Dushanbe–Bokhtar, Ayni–Panjakent, Dushanbe–Tursunzade, and Vose–Khovaling roads, to modernizing key irrigation and water supply systems and building hospitals and schools. ADB has supported the construction of power transmission lines and electricity substations, the reconnection of Tajikistan’s electricity grid to the Central Asian power network, and the rehabilitation of major hydropower plants like Nurek and Golovnaya.

ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.

As stated previously, ADB to formalize Almaty-Bishkek border project.