They discussed the cooperation between the ministry and the UNDP and the program to develop the agricultural sector through financing a number of projects.
The meeting also dealt with the national development plan, the agricultural development strategy and the national food security policy as well as the importance of engaging the ministry's cadre largely in all activities and benefiting from the ministry's database and other information. The UNDP-funded projects were reviewed and their role in developing the agricultural sector and promoting its role in boosting food security through creating jobs and fighting poverty was discussed also. The meeting stressed the importance of the program and its contributions to the agricultural development and boosting productivity because it focuses on providing agricultural equipment and agricultural credit and employing the youth and women. Other topics were also discussed including the Sayoon project for tackling the effects of floods and distributing free seeds to farmers and the economic diversification project.
For his part, director of the economic diversification project Sadiq al Nabhani said the project being implemented with 2.9 million USD granted by the UNDP deals with pivotal issues within the national strategic vision until 2025 focused on economic diversification, creating jobs, fighting poverty and implementing many activities. The project, which was launched early this year and will last for five years, aims to implement many activities, topped by supporting the national agricultural development strategy, policies and plans as well as boosting agricultural exports, mainly fruits, vegetables and improving the rural women's productivity.