DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, November 21. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $17 million in grant financing to help Tajikistan digitalize and modernize its livestock sector, aiming to raise rural incomes and improve access to nutritious food, Trend reports via the bank.
The package 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, financed by the Government of Japan.
Agriculture remains one of Tajikistan’s main economic pillars, employing more than 40% of the workforce and contributing over 20% of GDP. Livestock production is especially significant, mostly driven by small household farms. But outdated veterinary services, climate pressures, and limited access to digital tools continue to hold farmers back, particularly women, who play a central role in animal care.
“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 establish a national digital livestock platform to track animal health, regulate livestock movement, and certify animals for domestic and export markets. It will also help modernize breeding and veterinary services in pilot districts, including upgrading the national artificial insemination center and building a secure facility for storing genetic material.
Mobile veterinary clinics and regional centers will be equipped with diagnostic tools and stronger cold-chain capacity for vaccines. Training schools will be modernized, scholarships will be offered to women veterinarians, and a national network of women veterinarians will be formed.
To improve climate resilience, the program will upgrade pasture management by creating a digital pasture health map, building a pilot animal migration point with shelters and washing stations, and providing mobile facilities for veterinary care. Community groups will be trained in sustainable grazing and pasture planning.
The Ministry of Agriculture will lead project implementation, with support from the Committee for Food Security. Completion is expected by 2031.
Tajikistan joined ADB in 1998. The partnership has since supported major transport, energy, water, health, and education projects across the country, including hydropower rehabilitation and reconnecting Tajikistan’s grid to the Central Asian power network.