Taliban Calls for Expanded FAO Support for Afghanistan Agriculture

DID Press: The Taliban’s agriculture minister has called for expanded cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to support Afghanistan’s agriculture and livestock sectors.

Ataullah Omari, the Taliban’s Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, made the request during a meeting with Richard Trenchard, the FAO representative and head of the organization’s mission in Afghanistan.

Omari called for greater FAO assistance in developing and promoting improved seeds, livestock breeding, domestic production of seeds and organic fertilizers, and the establishment of specialized soil-testing and analysis centers.

According to the reported account of the meeting, the Taliban minister also requested support for building livestock watering facilities in remote areas, establishing milk collection centers and constructing standard slaughterhouses.

The FAO representative said the priorities raised by Afghanistan’s agriculture ministry were being considered within the organization’s programmes and that the agency would focus on implementing longer-term initiatives in the country.

Trenchard also said the FAO was working to attract additional investment for Afghanistan and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to continued cooperation with the country.