COCHRAN INTERVIEWS PROVIDE INSIGHT INTO FARM LIFE IN

UNCLAS DUSHANBE 000467 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR SCA/CEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAGR ECON EAID ELAB PGOV TI SUBJECT: COCHRAN INTERVIEWS PROVIDE INSIGHT INTO FARM LIFE IN TAJIKISTAN ¶1. "I would like to learn more about artificial insemination," a number of Tajik dairy farmers repeated in recent interviews for an agricultural exchange program. Alexander Simon of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service in Almaty spent March 26-30 in Tajikistan interviewing candidates for the Cochran Fellowship Program that sends farmers and agronomists to the U.S. for two to three week long specialist training programs. Simon and Pol/EconOffs interviewed over 60 candidates in Dushanbe, Qurghon-Teppa, and Khujand for up to 20 slots in the 2007 and 2008 programs. ¶2. A farmer and bottler of pickled mushrooms explained his need for marketing training. A group of veterinarians described their idea to create a veterinary association to support private veterinarians. Several farmers requested help in finding and developing better seed varieties. Rural extension workers sought assistance in implementing prophylactic measures to prevent cattle disease. Fruit and vegetable marketing ranked high as a possible training topic, with many farmers lamenting that they had no way of processing, transporting or selling Tajikistan's high-quality and largely organic produce outside local markets. ¶3. The large number of strong applicants demonstrated the impact and importance of all U.S. professional training and exchange programs. The majority of the Cochran candidates were experienced, educated farmers or local and national officials who had no access to extension services or continuing education, let alone Internet or other sources of new information about farming techniques and technology. ¶3. COMMENT: As we look for more ways to integrate the region economically, the Cochran program represents an important training and exchange program, not only providing specialized training in agricultural techniques but also promoting American culture and values to a segment of Tajik society with little or no foreign exposure. Program alumni cooperate with USAID-funded and other programs to help disseminate the impact of their training. Post appreciates the U.S. Department of Agriculture's support for the critical area of non-cotton agricultural growth in Tajikistan In the end, the Cochran program may prove as important as the bridge across the Pyanj River in transporting Tajik melons from the Fergana valley to the markets of Karachi, Pakistan. END COMMENT. JACOBSON