Sept. 2007

$800,000

Completed

Parwan

RC-East

Project Description

A joint USAID/PRT project which will provide concrete trellis posts, additional materials, implementation, and training to provide for 200 hectare of trellised vineyards. This project will provide almost 180,000 posts and 34680kg of wire and associated materials for 2,000 individual jaribs or farms. Vineyard trellising is the global standard used for improved production and quality of grape yield. The PRT will provide the actual building material, while Accelerating Sustainable Agriculture Program(ASAP), a USAID contractor,will provide installation, training, and associated ground-work to make this project successful.

Project Goals

Reason for Project: Since the beginning of history, Afghanistan grape farmers have used basic growing methods in their vineyards. With the implementation of trellising, they will be able to increase product yield up to 30-50% within the first season of use. This increase of production will be able to fill the need of local,national, and international markets and drive local economic growth. The trellising concerpt has already been accepted by such areas as Italy and California as the best practice for grape production. The local grape growing community and post manufacturer has promised profit-sharing which will fund for almost an additional 50% of what we provide, so in actuality, this project will affect 200 hectares and 2000 farms.

 Desired Project Effects: Upon implementation of Trellising in vineyards, in conjunction with best-practice farming training provided by ASAP, there will be a 30-50% increase in yield within the first year's harvest. This increase will drive local economic growth through expansion of grape and raisin markets. A secondary effect is the increased demand for the locally produced trellis posts. The posts are produced locally, so not only will the farmers benefit, the concrete industry will also see increased gains from the purchase of concrete. With this initial post purchase, 20% of the cost will go directly to the workers, which is over 200 families. This project will be the pilot project for future joint USAID/PRT trellising projects across Afghanistan.

 Measurable Effects: Increase in yield and quality of grape harvest. The amount of grapes grown per hectare will at least double as well as quality will improve dramatically. USDA estimates see local production increases from a current 750kg/ha to 1500kg/ha to 2250kg/ha. Increases in yield will allow for better market distribution as well as the higher quality grapes will demand a higher price of up to 2.5 times what farmers are getting now. Due to Bagram's proximaty to Kabul as well as possible export to Pakistan, Dubai, and India, the increased production will be able to be absorbed by the regional market. The project will also supply increased income to the factory workers involved in the post production process. Trellis post will increase production capacity to from $500- $1000 a day minimum. That means the aim would be to finish total production before harvest time is finished. Comments: The local grape growing community and post manufacturer has promised profit-sharing which will fund for almost an additional 50% of what we provide.

Results

This project was taken on by the NE ADT from TF Gladiator. The project had stalled out. The USAID subcontractor required prompting to complete the project. Numerous meetings were held with the contractor's representative and a modification was accomplished to come to an agreement between the contractor and the government that was beneficial to all, including providing the best results to the Afghanistan people.

The Contractor was required to provide grape trellising materials and training to 110 Hectares of land in the TF Warrior and Kabul province. The posts and trellesing materials have been provided to the AG Depots as agreed to. 55 growers received demo vineyards. The addition of these vineyards and the training provided will enhance the families, farmers, their economy and quality of life.

Updates

Jun 18 2009 The contract has been modified to provide the ADT with posts for trellising projects that are being completed in the Bagram District area at 

Janquadam and ZinZee Sufi Baba villages. Also, the requirements of the contract were rehegoitiated to realistic requirements and allowed the

contractor to include other AG Depots and farms. The contractor has just completed deliver of 30,000 additional posts. Nov 26 2009 This contract was closed out by Nebraska ADT, final payment was submitted 17JUL09 by Nebraska ADT but was never processed by finance. Project was closed in CIDNE and the closure report was submitted to TF Warrior. Final payment was resubmitted by KY ADT on 25NOV09. Project was changed back to Obligated on 26NOV09 by KY ADT.