Safar: Syria Has Achieved Self-Sufficiency in Wheat Production
Aug 27, 2010
www.sana.sy/eng/31/2010/08/27/304745.htm

Lattakia, Syrian Coast, (SANA - Syrian news agency)- 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.

H. Zain/ H. Said