credit: Fruit and Berry Association

A new project to promote fruit and berry production is under formulation by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry with the assistance of FAO's horticultural expert, David Doolan, working with the Fruit and Berry Association led by former-Minister of Food, Agriculture and Industry, Mr. Nasanjargal Darjaa, and Dr. Bayarsukh at the Institute of Plant and Agricultural Sciences in Darkhan. The goal of the project is that Mongolia has access to the full range of fruit and berry planting material and technology to support an emerging industry.

Key objectives for the project include:

1. Mongolia has the facilities and expertise to safely introduce and assess exotic germplasm

2. Mongolia is integrated to relevant international research networks on fruit and berry technology

3. Mongolia has the ability to assess and adapt harvesting mechanisation for seabuckthorn

4. Mongolia adopts a long term strategic development plan for the fruit and berry sector

Notable practical areas for improvement include training/pruning methods to suit mechanization, selection of varieties in accordance to use (e.g. cosmetics, juice, table) and need for mapping potential areas.

The project, to be cofounded between FAO and Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry, is expected to begin in November with national seminar inviting fruit and berry farmers to talk on their successes and potentials.