Damascus, Aug. 18 (SANA) Agriculture Minister Basel al-Suwaidan met on Tuesday with World Food Programme Country Director Marianne Ward to discuss enhancing cooperation on agricultural and development projects to support the sector and strengthen its resilience to challenges.
Al-Suwaidan said the ministry is revising its agricultural strategy to align with ongoing reforms, including separating the productive and administrative functions. He added that a holding company will be established to manage agricultural production and utilize the ministry’s large assets.
Extension services, private sector role
The minister said the ministry is updating agricultural extension services to better serve farmers’ needs, while strengthening the private sector’s role as a genuine partner in agricultural development. He noted efforts to rehabilitate agricultural laboratories, tighten oversight on pesticide imports and regulate their use.
The ministry is developing plans to guide farmers toward more economically viable and water-efficient crops, while rehabilitating water infrastructure in coordination with the Energy Ministry, and securing direct export contracts between farmers and companies to improve profit margins, he added.
Seed production, research
Al-Suwaidan said agricultural research and seed multiplication are top priorities, aiming for self-sufficiency in seeds, alongside developing the potato seed project.
Ward presented an overview of WFP projects implemented and ongoing in cooperation with the Agriculture Ministry and other ministries, including irrigation network rehabilitation, wholesale market projects, a fish market in Qalaat al-Madiq in Hama, and studies for irrigation and drainage maintenance in Aleppo countryside, corn dryers and a land leveling project using laser technology.
Agricultural insurance system
Both sides agreed to begin cooperation and consultations on introducing an agricultural insurance system to support farmers and enhance their ability to face risks facing the sector.
The Agriculture Ministry regularly holds meetings and workshops with WFP on developing the agricultural sector, improving productivity and overcoming challenges to support sustainable development.
The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, fighting hunger and saving lives in emergencies, providing food and cash assistance to millions across more than 80 countries. It was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020.
Kh.A / H.H
