KABUL (Pajhwok): An agricultural project worth $58 million would be implemented in the three central provinces of Kabul, Logar and Parwan by the Ministry of Agriculture, an official said on Sunday.

An agreement on execution of the scheme was signed between the Agriculture Ministry and three international organizations in Kabul.

Agriculture Minister Mohammad Asif Rahimi told a news conference the project financed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) would be implemented over the next six years.

The initiative was aimed to eliminate poverty in rural areas, benefiting 170,000 families, especially women, the minister said. The project will be implemented with the cooperation of governors, provincial council representatives and local elders.

The scheme envisages cold storage facilities, irrigation and water supply systems, production of animal feed, three dairy farms, small poultry farms and improved vegetable seeds.

Improving the capacity of agricultural graduates, animal husbandries and access to livestock markets are part of the project, according to Rahimi, who hinted at similar schemes in other provinces as well.

Parwan Governor Abdul Basir Salangi, who was also present at the news conference, welcomed the project. He promised Parwan residents would cooperate with the authorities in executing the scheme.

With the execution of the project, most residents of remote areas would be able to expand agricultural activities and improve their economic condition, Salangi hoped. (Pajhwok)