A launch event for the project "Enhancing production and market access of vegetables to support economic diversification" funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and jointly implemented by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry (MOFALI) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was held on August 31.

The project is conducting a baseline study in Darkhan, Selenge, Khovd and Tuv aimags, and will be implemented in selected locations for three years from 2023 to 2026. The objective of the project is to enhance the production and consumption of vegetables other than potatoes in Mongolia, to support the provision of fresh vegetables throughout the year, while improving food security, reducing unemployment, and sustainably increasing household income.

Based on the project’s baseline study, the most suitable greenhouse models for Mongolia's climate, agro-ecology, and market conditions will be identified in conjunction with the most profitable plants for growing in greenhouses. In addition, actions to increase the profitability of greenhouse production will be determined and integrated in the project activities.

Within the framework of the project, energy-efficient, long-harvest, medium-sized greenhouses will be established in selected locations. The greenhouses will exemplify sustainable production technologies and effective cultivation methods. In addition, a post-harvest processing warehouse will be established. New technologies for sorting, processing, packaging, and distribution of vegetables and vegetable products will be piloted to meet the needs and requirements of producers as well as consumers.

In order to promote sustainable and productive vegetable production practices, technical assistance will be provided in soil conservation, soil fertility, management of nutrients, irrigation, plant protection, seed production, harvesting and organic production.

The project aims to achieve the following key results.

• Contribute to sustainable vegetable production in Mongolia substituting vegetable imports;
• Expand market access for producers and vegetable growers by introducing good production and post-harvest practices, improving vegetable quality, and strengthening value chain management;
• Introduce new technologies in vegetable processing, storage and other post-harvest activities in order to meet the needs of the population for vegetables through domestic production;
• Improve consumer awareness and knowledge about the benefits of vegetable consumption