"Together with farmers, we built a special greenhouses that allow them to grow crops more than during the peak season, along with local experts to show them how to build an irrigation tank. Local also learn how to deal with what will develop, apply on the market, how to create your own product and brand, "explains project coordinator Catherine Kodysová, who recently returned from Mongolia.
Currently in Mongolia operates 23 cooperatives, cooperatives, where farmers come together and growers who sell their products in the local market. Most kooperativ processes milk and produces dried yogurt, for which there is the greatest demand. Other processed wool and leather from which sewed traditional shoes and handbags, or produce silk ties. Other co-operatives grown fruits and vegetables, which further processed and delivered to stores.
"Farmers are due to membership in cooperatives thrive, are professional and are able to assert itself on the market. One team even has its own restaurant, where it sells its products. We often say that if everyone worked alone, never achieve such results, as together in cooperatives. Noticeably, they increased profits, so the small business can continue to grow. They have a lot of plans for the future and are motivated, "explains the principle of operation of cooperatives Catherine.
One of the greatest achievements is the opening stand in the capital, Ulan Bator, "there sell their garlic. As in most countries, even in Mongolia have imported garlic from China. They are patriots but a better buy theirs because it is better. "
ADRA is planning for the future cooperation with local banks to small businesses were able to take a favorable loan and continue to grow. "We will train other farmers and buy the necessary equipment such as the production of yogurt," says Catherine.
Interview with Mrs. Dashzeveg from Mongolia Selenge province
Mrs. Dashzeveg is 60 years old, has 6 children, 10 grandchildren and in Sukhbaatar put together a small group of people in his village and neighborhood living by growing radishes, tomatoes, cucumbers and bottling. He wants to with ADRA to succeed in the local market and help people with disabilities from their surroundings.
Mrs. Dashzeveg, when and why did you decide with your neighbors start a joint venture?
Operating since 2010. We decided to start growing vegetables and processed in bulk, in order to be financially self-sufficient and have time to take care of our relatives with disabilities. You take care of 5 children and adolescents, and one elderly lady.
What do you personally cooperation with Adro bring?
With training, we learned a lot of practical issues related to business, but we have learned and new agricultural techniques, such as how to compost, how to use the remaining water, or how to grow in a greenhouse. Thanks to earn more money. Revenues from our company, in part, paid treatment related.
The more you lived before?
We worked every man in his garden and grew vegetables only for our needs. We did not have a greenhouse, so we were dependent on the season. Now, thanks to greenhouse vegetables can grow longer and according to what is demanded in the market, decide what you will plant.
Now what do you grow?
I grow lettuce, radishes, greenhouse tomatoes and cucumbers. Most are worth but the processing of vegetables they use it, and pots. Still learning something about the new technology and recipe, it's a creative process. Now we are trying to grow strawberries because they do get to the market the most.
Where can you sell?
Customers often come to my house, but I started to be sold in Ulaanbaatar. I walked around the various stores and offered them samples of pickled vegetables. People tasted and now you yourself ordered from me, so I plan to produce bigger. With AdRem we created our own brand. We grow the flowers, we recently sold to the big show here in town.
What are your future plans?
We want to help other women learn something new, make it easier for them financially secure. I gave some to be chickens sousedkám and taught them how to care for them, or how to sew traditional boots and fur gloves (mittens). I recently learned one of the girls with disabilities knit Mongolian socks, which will be produced to order.
The project is being implemented with support from the European Union and the Czech Development Agency.
Source: tz ADRA