LBP 3.581 billion from the Green Plan to some 622 farmers 

In the presence of the minister of agriculture, Abbas Mortada, the public Green Plan institution, yesterday delivered a number of cheques to farmers who earlier applied for agricultural land reclamation. On the occasion, Mortada underlined the importance of a food security emergency plan and a parallel strategic policy for land reclamation, forestation and provision of water. He said his ministry is adamant about implementing these schemes, revealing the distribution of bank checks worth of LBP 3.581 billion to some 622 farmers. He thanked FAO for providing aid to extend cultivation, build retaining walls and water reservoirs. Mortada also announced the completion of the construction of 16 water ponds funded by IFAD and five other ponds by ARDB, to be managed by local municipalities, as well as the launch of bids to construct additional water ponds financially supported by IFAD. (Al Diyar, July 24, 2020)