Afaaq workshop in the Rashayya on ways of developing the local agricultural sector

Afaaq Association organised last Wednesday a workshop on agricultural development in the area within the framework of its action aiming at supporting the agricultural sector in the Bekaa.  The event was organised at the municipality in collaboration with the Union of Municipalities of Jabal el Sheikh in Rashayya Qaza and was attended by Minister of Social Affairs Wael Abou Faour.
The President of Al Afaaq Ahmed Thabet highlighted the realities of agriculture in the region and offered ways to improve it.  He noted the key role of nongovernmental organisations in presenting plans to improve this sector, while stressing the critical role of local municipalities in supporting farmers and in making the best use of the resources available to municipalities and NGOs.  Thabet also focused on the need to draw local agricultural calendars as well as extending services to farmers.
Abou Faour gave a keynote address that focused on the importance of adopting a developmental vision, whilst emphasizing the important role that municipalities and municipal confederations can play in strengthening agricultural development.  The Minister also called for the setting up of agricultural processing projects that will benefit farmers and highlighted the importance of environmental preservations notably in Jabal el Sheikh (Mount Hermon) whilst hoping that the area will not be wiped out by constructions.  Finally, the Minister called for the setting up of an industrial zone as a safe area away from residential and agricultural areas.  He also criticized the impact of quarries and the systematic destructions that these are causing.
Source: Al-Mustaqbal 15 November 2013