Minister of Agriculture in the caretaker government Mohammad Taha Al-Ahmad discussed with a delegation from the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Works ( KSRelief) the situation of the agricultural areas in most need for relief in Syria and joint agricultural projects.
Minister Al-Ahmad said that agriculture in Syria used to contribute to 28% of the GDP and employ 30% of the workforce before it was subjected to systematic destruction by the former regime in 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 governorates.
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 ptojects.
For its part, the delegation from the King Salman Center for Relief 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 indicated that many businessmen in Saudi Arabia are interested in carrying out investments in agricultur and other fields in Syria.
