Development of agricultural consulting is supported by German experience

First, the DMKNL presented itself with its own booth at the "Green Autumn" producers' fair in Ulaanbaatar. An expert advised end consumers on growing vegetables in their own gardens and on how to store them. There was great interest and many questions were asked. The seminar "Agricultural advice and qualification of junior staff", jointly organized by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry and the DMKNL, also took place during the fair. Dieter Künstling explained to the participants from the agricultural administration of 21 aimags (provinces), from the agricultural university and from the arable farmers' association how the German agricultural extension system has developed and how it works. In the process and in the question and answer session that followed, the discussion focused, for example, on who is best suited to provide the advisory services, private consultants, the state, or a mix of both. Dieter Künstling suggested a mixed approach for Mongolia.

The next stop on the trip was a visit to the Institute of Plant and Agricultural Sciences in Darkhan. The institute is an important field research and extension facility in crop and vegetable production. Dieter Künstling discussed with the institute's management and staff the development potential of the agricultural extension services offered by the institute.

The trip was concluded with a visit to the Mongolian Agricultural University in Ulaanbaatar and an exchange about possible cooperation on a scientific level with the new director and scientific staff of the university.