Ramallah Ma'an - The Ministry of Agriculture organized a meeting this morning with civil society organizations working in the agricultural sector, in the presence of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. In his opening remarks, Minister Salimia praised the civil society institutions, their high professionalism, their efforts and achievements on the ground, which had a significant impact on the development of the agricultural sector. Salimia also reviewed the government's orientations regarding the priority and importance of the agricultural sector, agricultural initiatives, and the government's pillars towards enhancing steadfastness, strengthening partnerships, providing services, institutional reform, and relief and reconstruction in Gaza. He spoke about confronting Israeli policies in light of the increasing Israeli aggression and the importance of expanding the agricultural area and increasing productivity, focusing on strategic field crops, paying attention to extension services, applied agricultural research and developing natural resources, and focusing on marginal areas and the Palestinian Jordan Valley. The Minister also stressed the importance of partnership in drawing up general strategic policies and objectives for the agricultural sector, in addition to work and implementation plans that ensure specialization, professionalism, comprehensive community coverage, and service to the Palestinian farmer wherever he is. He also addressed the funding gap and funding problems that have begun to affect the volume of interventions in the agricultural sector and have begun to cast a shadow over the services and interventions that would enhance the resilience of farmers and reduce their daily suffering as a result of the repeated occupation practices. Minister Salimia also briefed the attendees on the achievements that have been made, the partnerships with the attendees, and the reflection of these achievements on the agricultural reality and improving the living conditions of farmers. T he Minister listened to several interventions from the attendees, which included the scarcity of funding, current funding mechanisms and conditions, and the general foundations of interventions, especially in the eastern slopes, the Jordan Valley, and the Palestinian rural areas (Area C), in addition to strengthening the role of youth in the agricultural sector, reviewing legislation and laws, as well as noting the issue of involving the local community and farmers in the planning process and encouraging investment in the agricultural sector. The Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Office, Mr. Ciro Feroli, reviewed FAO's interventions in the southern governorates, the obstacles on the ground, and the most prominent achievements that have been made, indicating that his organization is open to partnerships with everyone to achieve common goals and objectives. Source: Maan News Agency