Gaza government inaugurates agricultural projects

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Gaza’s Prime Minister, Ismail Haniya, has inaugurated a number of agricultural projects on land formerly occupied by Israeli settlers. The government is now taking advantage of the ample agricultural land reclaimed from the settlers to cultivate much needed crops while providing employment to dozens of the unemployed.

Over 250 dunums of vineyard; 150 dunums of mango trees and 50 dunums of avocado trees alongside dozens of dunums of various other kinds of fruit were opened yesterday, 28th July. Vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, onions, pepper, corn and aubergines are being cultivated alongside livestock farms rearing cattle, goat and chicken.

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The Palestinian government, represented by the Ministry of Agriculture, has also contributed to the opening of an organic fertiliser production plant. This has encouraged organic farming and the production of crops free of chemical substances harmful to human health.

The relatively good amount of produce being produced by these projects goes a long way toward making Gaza self-sufficient in spite of the Israeli imposed embargo on the sector.

MEMO Photographer: Mohammed Asad