Safar: Syria Has Achieved Self-Sufficiency in Wheat Production
Posted by Zawya
SANA (Syria Arab News Agency)
27 August 2010


Minister of Agriculture Adel Safar said Syria's production of wheat in 2010 has covered the entire local needs and achieved self-sufficiency, adding that wheat stockpile will cover the country's need for the next two years.

In a statement to al-Baath newspaper published Wednesday, Safar said that this year's production has also provided the seeds required for the next wheat cultivation season.

He pointed out that the latest indicators of wheat production worldwide have shown that Syria is the least affected by the damages which hit the crop due to drought and its impacts which led to a drop in the global production of wheat, in addition to infection with the yellow rust by 5 percent.

Safar said that Syria's production of wheat reaching 3,3 million tons is very considerable compared to the large reduction in wheat production in many countries, asserting that Syria is one of the few countries which covered its needs from its own production, while several countries in the region tend to import this necessary strategic food.

He pointed out that the ministry has recently adopted a new work plan for wheat cultivation in Syria through implementing deliberated efficient prodecures to deal with the factors that affect wheat cultivation and adopting all precautionary measures to ensure stability in planting this crop.

He added that the measures focused on planting types of wheat that are most tolerant and resistant to drought.

The Minister said that enhancing the potential of success for wheat cultivation is an absolute priority to the country to boost the self-sufficiency policy and food security of such strategic crops.


By H. Zain/ H. Said

© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2010

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