DUSHANBE, August 24, 2012, Asia-Plus -- Lyla Andrews Bashan, General Development Officer, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) inaugurated the new Agriculture Input Shop in Shaidon of Asht district on August 23, press release issued by the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe said.

The Input Shop was established through the USAID’s Tajikistan Stability Enhancement Program (TSEP) to provide regional farmers with certified products such as fertilizer, pesticides and seeds and to offer highest quality farm equipment including tools and small tractor service.  The Input Shop will also provide client extension services on good agriculture practices.

TSEP focuses on strengthening stability in rural Tajikistan by promoting improved governance and encouraging the participation of ‘at-risk’ or marginalized groups in economic and social revitalization.  The program works with community members to meet challenges in 63 rural communities of Sughd and the Rasht and Tavildara Valleys, and Southern Khatlon province.

The Tajikistan Stability Enhancement Program is one of the many assistance projects supported by the American people through USAID.  Since 1992, the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe has provided more than $984 million in programs that support Tajikistan’s democratic institutions, health care, education, and economic growth.