Improving Fruit and Berry Production in Mongolia - TCP/MON/3605

Improving Fruit and Berry Production in Mongolia - TCP/MON/3605

Editor

FAO ;

Descripción

In 2015 annual fruit and berry consumption in Mongolia was estimated at 8 4 kilograms per capita, well below the World Health Organization’s recommendation of 87 kilograms for adults Although, historically, Mongolia has been cultivating and propagating fruit and berries since the 1960 s, limited support for research organizations and the collapse of state farms contributed to a drastic reduction in their production by the end of 1980 s Consequently, in 2015 Mongolia produced 1 400 tonnes of fruit and berries, accounting for only 1 percent of domestic consumption and necessitating the import of 29 100 tonnes to meet demand Since the Mongolian diet is largely based on protein and carbohydrate consumption (meat and wheat), the population is susceptible to vitamin and mineral deficiencies Thus, the Government is eager to address this concern by increasing the production, market variety and consumption of local fruit and berries In order to achieve this, however, technical expertise in the fruit and berry production sector require development, funding for research institutions needs to be increased and labour shortages compel further exploration of opportunities for the mechanization of farming The project aims to build upon the Seabuckthorn National Programme, which was initiated by the Government in 2010 Additionally, the project supports the State Policy on Food and Agriculture, which focuses on increasing the variety of locally grown fruit and berries, enhancing their competitiveness in both domestic and international markets, developing value chains in the fruit and berry sector and improving production methods.