MINISTRY EXTENTION AGENTS COMPLETE FIRST ROUND OF INTESIVE CAPACITY BUILDING TRAININGS

March, Lipjan/LipljanFifty government extension agents are ready to begin sharing with Kosovos farmers the latest agricultural technologies, methodologies and practices, after undergoing intensive training organized by USAID.

The extension agents, all employees of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, were certified following the three-month course. They now will share their knowledge with Kosovos fruit, vegetable and livestock producers.
Photo: NOA Certification ceremony: Minister of Agriculture Blerand Stavileci handing certificate to Ali Gacaferi, a participant from Junik municipality.

USAID, through its New Opportunities for Agriculture (NOA) Program, organized the training to increase the diffusion of the most up-to-date agricultural know-how across Kosovos rural communities, said NOA program director Mark Wood. NOA collaborated closely with Kosovos Ministry of Agriculture in developing and implementing the training course. The trainings focused on providing advice in reaching farmers; instilling more productive and scientifically proven farming practices; and promoting use of the latest technologies. It specifically included targeted training in sampling plants and soil for analysis; producing resistant seedlings and saplings; applying current principles of fertilization and irrigation; protecting crops; handling crops post-harvest; managing storage; developing market linkages; preparing budgets, gross margin analyses and business plans; balancing feed rations for dairy cows; managing dairy cow reproduction; implementing good milking practices; maintaining proper farm records; assessing environmental impacts; preparing grant applications and many other best practices. The training program serves to extend and magnify the impact of USAIDs efforts to support growth, job creation and export generation within Kosovos significant agricultural sector. USAID funded NOA specifically to link farmers and products with markets; diversify and increase Kosovos agricultural products; improve food quality and safety; increase access to affordable credit; and improve coordination within the sector. The newly trained extension agents will help further these specific goals in the farming communities across Kosovo where they work.

Photo: NOA Mark Wood Program Director of New Opportunities for Agriculture addresses main principles of the extension agents trainings.

Photo: NOA Fatmir Selimi NOA Deputy Chief of Party elaborating on grant form preparation guidelines.

The Program marked on March 13, 2013, the conclusion of the training course with a certification ceremony. Attendees included Chris Edwards, USAIDs deputy mission director in Kosovo; Blerand Stavileci, Kosovos minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development; and Jan Braathu, Norways ambassador to Kosovo.