Moldovan–Japanese agricultural partnership continues: JICA prepares new financing line for Moldovan farmers

The growing vulnerability of the agricultural sector to climate change, the need to align with the European Union’s safety standards and limited access to cutting-edge technologies have been the main topics discussed at a meeting between Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Ludmila Catlabuga and a delegation of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

During their visit to Chisinau o March 1-6 2026, the JICA team is conducting a fact‑finding mission essential for launching the project, Modernization of Agricultural Machinery and Post‑Harvest Equipment (MAME 2).”

Today’s discussions focused on identifying concrete solutions to the problems faced by Moldovan farmers, with emphasis on climate vulnerability, technical expertise, integration into the European market and social inclusion.

The current JICA mission aims to agree on the key aspects of the project, a mandatory bureaucratic step for initiating administrative procedures and advancing official negotiations for a new financing line. The project seeks not only to supply equipment, but also to integrate local producers into European‑level agri‑food value chains.

Japan’s interest in continuing this strategic partnership is based on the results of the previous project.

“Thus far, cooperation with JICA has brought tangible benefits across the entire country: 472 farmers from all districts of Moldova have received financing; 816 million lei was mobilized as total investments; 841 modern agricultural machines and pieces of equipment have been purchased, increasing productivity in the private sector,” the Ministry of Agriculture says.

Minister Ludmila Catlabuga expressed confidence that the launch of the MAME 2 project would provide new momentum for the digital and green transformation of agriculture in Moldova, strengthening farmers’ resilience in the face of current economic challenges.

Top requested equipment in the first stage

The success of the 816 million lei in investments was due to a focus on technologies that reduce manual labor and enhance precision:

- New‑generation tractors: Equipped with GPS guidance systems to reduce fuel consumption and overlaps during soil cultivation.

- Combines and harvesters: High‑performance equipment for harvesting cereals and industrial crops, minimizing grain losses.

- No‑Till and Strip‑Till technologies: Specialized seeders and cultivators for conservation agriculture, essential for preserving soil moisture.

- Post‑harvest equipment: Sorting and grading lines and pre‑cooling systems for fruits and vegetables, vital for preparing export products.

- Smart spraying systems: Sprayers that enable precise application of treatments, reducing the use of chemical substances.