MANILA, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Friday it has signed a loan of 20 million U.S. dollars with APU Dairy LLC to boost Mongolia's dairy supply and strengthen its food security.
The project will support nomadic herders by integrating them into the dairy value chain, enhancing dairy processing capacity and promoting sustainable herd management practices, the ADB said in its press release.
The ADB said its financing also includes up to 750,000 dollars in technical assistance to build the capacity of 300 herders on sustainable herd and pasture management, financial literacy, gender equality, disability awareness and climate resilience.
"This partnership with APU Dairy is a significant step toward a more resilient and inclusive dairy value chain in Mongolia," said ADB Director General for Private Sector Operations Suzanne Gaboury.
"The project's benefits will be shared by all value chain stakeholders, improving the livelihoods of 1,000 herders and giving women better access to job opportunities and greater inclusion in the dairy supply chain," said Gaboury.
Established in 2006, APU Dairy is the second largest dairy producer in Mongolia. ■
