Commodity Online
NEW DELHI: The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is helping Palestinian farmers, shepherds and fishermen in Gaza and the West Bank whose livelihood has been severely affected by ongoing difficulties in getting essential products into those areas.

FAO currently has 14 projects at a cost of $10 million in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, focusing on areas such as horticulture and greenhouse and irrigation rehabilitation.

There has been serious concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, given that agriculture and fisheries have been severely impacted by lack of inputs, constraints on farm exports and restrictions on fishing areas.

While some agricultural inputs can be purchased locally, those procured abroad are more difficult to import, including plastic sheeting for greenhouses which is currently awaiting clearance by Israeli authorities.

During a visit to region last month, FAO emergency operations senior planning officer Suzanne Raswant said she was “impressed at the energy and commitment of the FAO Gaza team which is working hard to deliver services and assistance under very difficult conditions”.

In addition to the current projects, FAO is seeking an additional $7.3 million this year to help restore livelihood for farmers, those raising livestock and fishermen, as well as to improve food security.

FAO is also working to help Gazans detect and respond to bird flu outbreaks, including through training and the provision of essential testing equipment.

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