Rehabilitation of the Irrigation Sector Discussed with FAO

Damascus- The second consultative meeting organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform and the Ministry of Water resources in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) discussed here on Wednesday the irrigation and water resources situation in Syria, the prospects of rehabilitation of the destroyed irrigation projects and the future objectives of the development of the agricultural sector.

Participants called for the need to develop new plans for managing water resources and securing modern irrigation methods for farmers to achieve sustainable agriculture, identify priorities for the irrigation sector and the restoration of water services before the crisis.

The participants agreed that the damaged irrigation systems should be rehabilitated and developed to be compatible with the current water reality, calling for strenuous efforts and joint cooperation between the concerned parties to reach the desired result.

Deputy Minister of Water Resources for Technical Affairs Eng. Osama Al Akhras, told SANA that the aim of the meeting is to identify the reality of irrigation and projects that have been subjected to systematic destruction by armed terrorist organizations and prospects of rehabilitation and bridging the gap between water needs and agricultural production required to reach outputs that serve the application of agricultural plans.

FAO Representative in Syria, Mike Robson, explained that the organization seeks to support Syrian farmers to help them return to their land.

For his part, the Director of the National Project for Change to Modern Irrigation in the Ministry of Agriculture, Eng. Yahya Mohammed, clarified that the importance of addressing the obstacles faced by the irrigation and agriculture sector and developing the necessary plans according to a common vision more realistic and effective through the development of the mechanism of work and benefit from FAO technical and material capabilities to raise the efficiency and capacity of farmers to cover the water deficit.

The Director of the Natural Resources Research Department, Mohamed Manhal al-Zu’bi, confirmed the importance of supporting the water resources sector in Syria and irrigation projects in a way that contributes to achieving self-sufficiency.

Sh. Kh.