Rome, SANA-The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) stated that the severe climatic conditions experienced during the current agricultural season in Syria are “the worst in nearly 60 years,” expecting that this will force Syria to rely on imports.
The French Press Agency quoted the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) in Syria, Haya AbuAssaf, as saying: “Nearly 2.5 million hectares of wheat-planted land in Syria have been damaged due to poor climatic conditions, threatening more than 16 million Syrians with food insecurity.”
According to the “FAO,” these conditions have affected about 75 percent of the cultivated land and natural pastures for livestock production. In this regard, Abu Assaf said that Syria experienced a short winter season and a decrease in rainfall levels. As a result, about 95 percent of rain-fed wheat was damaged and affected, while irrigated wheat is expected to yield 30 to 40 percent less than the usual average.
Abu Assaf considered that this matter would lead to a “gap” ranging between 2.5 and 2.7 million tons, which would put the country at risk of food insecurity this year.
Noura /Fedaa
