IFAD Supports Program to Boost Agriculture in Western Rajasthan

The United Nations' International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) announced plans to provide about US$ 31 million to a project in India that aims to increase agricultural production and boost employment prospects in the country’s Western Rajasthan region. The IFAD will give a loan of US$30.3 million and a grant of US$600,000 to support 95,000 poor households in the districts of Jokhpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Pali, Sirohi and Jalor. The households include landless laborers, small and marginal farmers, owners of marginal land, traditional artisans, women and young people.

Harsh, arid climate and cyclical drought contribute to the region’s core problems of severe lack of water, poor agricultural and livestock productivity, limited income generating opportunities and a patriarchal system that discriminates against women. The project is expected to improve farming practices through watershed management, promote both self employment and wage employment opportunities and provide access to financial services and markets. IFAD, tasked with alleviating the plight of the world’s rural poor, has already financed 22 projects in India, approving loans for a total of US$595.3 million.

View the press release at http://www.ifad.org/media/press/2008/51.htm