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| News Detail |
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| Bangladesh - FAO starts Aila rehabilitation support for the south |
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Bangladesh, 24 Oct 2009 -- Khulna - FAO has joined the government in a coordinated rehabilitation campaign for cyclone Aila affected areas in south-western districts. Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury and FAO Representative Ad Spijkers distributed agricultural inputs to the poorest of the victims of the cyclone in two southern upazilas on 24th October.
Shyamnagar of Satkhira and Koira of Khulna, where the distribution took place, are the most remote and among the worst hit by cyclone Aila which battered the southern coast on 25 May this year.
"We will do our level best to get farmers back on their feet", said Matia referring to areas also troubled by salinity intrusion. "We are introducing saline tolerant rice variety (BR 47), maize, cow pea, water melon that are salinity resistant."
The input support of 50 tons of rice seeds, vegetable seeds and the required amount of fertilizers (urea, MOP and TSP) was given under FAO’s own funded Aila rehabilitation programme.
"The south has tremendous potential for agricultural growth and supporting the national economy," commented Ad Spijkers while speaking to a large audience both in Shyamnagar and Koira. "Good seeds produce good crop, and we are to ensure good agricultural practices including the use of balanced fertilizers", he added.
Mr Spijkers informed that quality seeds were matched by adequate quantity of the appropriate fertilizers under the ongoing agricultural support programme. He also expressed his gratitude to the Agriculture Minister for her guidance. The FAO Representative also pointed to the fact that these are areas attracting least attention from development support although being part of the poorest zones of the country.
The joint government/FAO entourage also observed the precarious conditions of the damaged embankments as well as the hardships of the water-logged populations in the remote south at the fringe of the Sundarbans.
"Urgent actions will be taken by the government with or even without the support of donors for repairing the damaged structures," announced Matia. "No leniency to corruption would be shown to the responsible agencies," warned the minister. She also urged the MPs to ensure removal of any unruly elements even in the own cadre.
The distribution ceremony in Koira was also addressed by Monnuzan Sufian, State Minister for Labour and Employment and local Members of Parliament. "The MPs should come forward with pragmatic steps to implement the programmes," said the Labour Minister. The speakers emphasized on a fair and transparent delivery mechanism for the planned support. Timely delivery of the interventions was underscored for early and sustained recovery of the livelihoods of long-suffering rural poor in these remote localities.
The events were attended by FAO international and national staff, and relevant government agencies. FAO also assured their continued support for the development of the south.
Press release issued by the Office of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh.
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