Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
Damascus, SANA- The situation of agricultural areas in most need for relief in Syria and joint agricultural projects were the main points of discussion during a meeting that brought together Minister of Agriculture in the caretaker government, Mohammad Taha al-Ahmad and a delegation from King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Works (KSRelief).
Minister al-Ahmad said that agriculture in Syria used to contribute to 28% of the GDP and employ 30% of the workforce before it had been subjected to systematic destruction at the hands of the former regime over the previous years.
He pointed out that many agricultural projects are in need of restoration and rehabilitation, especially government and private irrigation projects, particularly in Ghouta area in Damascus countryside and several other provinces.
The Minister proposed establishing food projects as well as packaging and canning projects, supplying livestock with feed, and providing grants or financial facilities to rural families to start projects.
In turn, the KSRelief delegation requested information on the agricultural areas in most need for assistance to begin work there, and on what can be provided for Syrian agriculture, especially income-generating projects in rural Syria.
The delegation commended the quality of Syrian agricultural products, noting that many businessmen in Saudi Arabia wish to make investments in agriculture and other fields in Syria.
Manar Salameh/Ruaa al-Jazaeri
