Salalab: The Supreme Council for Environment and Natural Resources held a consultative workshop on Saturday to formulate and implement an action plan for the recovery of the plant gene bank for agricultural crops from the effects of war.
According to Sudan News Agency, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Muna Ali Mohamed Ahmed, revealed during the workshop, which was held in the Cabinet Hall at the Ministries Complex in Salalab, that the strategic goal was to bring together all government institutions and organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), civil society organizations, and various stakeholders concerned with environmental issues to develop an action plan for the recovery of the plant gene bank for agricultural crops from the effects of war.
Dr. Muna explained that the Supreme Council for Environment and Natural Resources was seeking to attract financial support and assess the situation in a precise scientific manner, as the center contains seeds for agricultural crops that contribute to high productivity and maintain food security.
For his part, the Acting Director General of the Agricultural Research Corporation in Al-Gezira State, Professor Ahmed Hassan Assar, explained the negative impacts of the war on the Agricultural Genetic Resources and Plant Conservation and Research Center in Wad Madani. He explained that they transferred the genetic resources to a new location and preserved 70% of them. He pointed to the need for refrigerators, air conditioners, and coolers to preserve the genetic resources. He explained that Al-Gezira State has provided a refrigerated room, and that concerted efforts and support are needed, especially since the Food and Agriculture Organization attaches great importance to agriculture.
For his part, the FAO representative, Mr. Kennedy, emphasized the organization’s efforts to provide technical and financial support for agricultural projects that contribute to food security for the population.