CNFA:A new agricultural industry with a significant economic potential is quickly developing in RM

CNFA:A new agricultural industry with a significant economic potential is quickly developing in RM

• 22.09.2010

„The Moldovan almond growing sector has already become a small young industry with a significant economic and commercial potential”, states David Doll, an American expert from the University of California. Between September 8 and September 24, David Doll, who is an expert in almond and walnut crops growing, has visited our country in order to provide the farmers with consulting services on a voluntary basis with the support of the Farmer-to-Farmer Program, implemented in our country by the USAID-funded organization CNFA.

„Issues like varieties selection, planting schematics, almond growing practices, etc., are perceived quite well in Moldova”, the experts states. “Thus, although this crop is exposed to significant weather risks, almond yields could still become significant in a few years, while the general productivity could increase from the existing 1000 kg per hectare up to 3000 or 4000 kg per hectare”, David Doll adds.

The expert also mentions there is currently a significant demand worldwide for almond seeds (“nuts”), while Moldova has a geographical position that is very beneficial in order to establish commercial relationships with partners both from Europe and from Asia. However, in order to successfully develop this industry, the establishment of several facilities is required, such as the road infrastructure improvement, the establishment of almond processing facilities, and the ensuring of access to water for irrigation purposes.

David Doll believes the main condition in order to ensure higher yields is the fertilization of the land in almond orchards; as well as the re-insertion of elements extracted by trees during vegetation into the soil. Another essential factor is the establishment of irrigation systems, given the existing precipitations only ensure 50% of the necessary water quantity per year. Irrigation could also become another method for fighting spring frost, besides fumigation; given the almond is a tree that blossoms early.

The expert also recommends the gradual mechanization of the almond production operations, given a great manual labor is currently used, and this generates a higher cost. Currently, the fruit is harvested by shaking it with a rod, while the harvesting and the drying are done under natural conditions. However, for the periods with a higher humidity, drying and peeling equipment would be necessary to be purchased, from phase one, the pulp, or directly to the kernel. At the optimum temperature of 4-8 degrees and at a moisture level of 60-70%, the almond kernel can be stored for a general period of up to 12 months, same as in the stone. Finally, David Doll’s recommendations also include the establishment of specialized units for the entire value chain, starting with the planting and finishing with the marketing of almond kernels.

During his stay in Moldova, David Doll has assisted almost 10 almond growers from the districts of Anenii Noi, Căuşeni and Ştefan Vodă. The expert has assessed the local almond planting, harvesting, processing, and storing practices in order to develop recommendations for their optimization in accordance with the American experience.

Almond growing in Moldova was launched in the year 2002. According to the existing statistical data, there are almost 20 growers involved in this industry, while the overall almond plantation surface is of more than 1000 hectares. The experts are projecting a triple increase of almond plantations until the year 2020.

For details please contact Nadejda MOCANU, Farmer-to-Farmer Program Coordinator (tel.: 022 24 03 11, 069 260-005), nmocanu@moldova.cnfa.org, www.cnfa.md)