Groundwater depletion is the greatest challenge in Yemen, Mujawar
The Source: SANA'A\Hadhramaut\Saba - Tuesday -15/April/2014
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Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Fareed Mujawar has said that groundwater depletion is the greatest challenge being faced by agricultural development in Yemen, as well as excessive and indiscriminate use of pesticides in the agricultural sector. In a workshop on a draft country action plan presented by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Mujawar said that his ministry is seeking to use modern agricultural technologies, which aim to reduce groundwater depletion and increase production.
He pointed out that the recent use of greenhouses by some farmers and investors has increased to 30,000 greenhouses, producing various vegetables.
The Resident Representative of the United Nations in Yemen Paolo Lembo said that Yemen has distinctive agricultural properties which should be benefited in order to strengthen the economic sector in the country, achieve a better living for citizens and create employment opportunities.
He called attention to the agricultural sector and water resources in Yemen, stressing the UN’s readiness to support the Yemeni government’s efforts to improve the agricultural sector and enhance food security.
For his part, the Resident Representative of the FAO in Yemen Dr. Salah Haj Hassan pointed out that everyone is aware of the critical stage Yemen is currently undergoing, particularly in development sector, where it faces several economic, political, security and development challenges, adding local, regional and international efforts should be concerted for addressing these challenges.
Hassan praised the efforts have been made by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and other official bodies involved in the development of the agricultural sector and other sectors, although there are obstacles faced by these sectors.
The FAO official also said the organization is seeking to reduce the food gap and address the imbalances of development in Yemen, based on its strategic goals, including the eradication of hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition.
In addition, Hassan revealed a team of international experts had arrived in Yemen to prepare the FAO action plan with the help of a team of Yemeni specialists from various ministries.
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