Al-Sudani Visits the Ministry of Agriculture

Baghdad-INA

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, visited today, Wednesday, the Ministry of Agriculture and held a meeting with its officials.

The media office of the Prime Minister stated in a statement, which was received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA),"During the visit,  Al-Sudani followed up on implementing the agricultural plan and its requirements. He emphasized the vital role of the agricultural sector in the government program and that it was developed to be an implementable action plan. He stressed that the work in the Ministry must be according to a clear, thorough plan."

 The following are highlights from the Prime Minister's remarks during the visit:

  Our visit today to the Ministry of Agriculture demonstrates that the government attaches considerable importance to this sector in its program to reform the economic reality in Iraq.

  It is important that we review the Ministry's work procedures specified by the law, the guidelines, the analysis and service procedures, and the level of their implementation.

 We pointed out that there is a weakness in coordination between the Ministry of Agriculture and other ministries, as there must be integration between industry and agriculture.

 The agricultural plan approved by the Council of Ministers for the winter season 2022/2023 must be implemented in the entire area due to its importance for food security.
 In the next growing season, farmers who do not use modern agricultural techniques and irrigation methods will not receive government subsidies, which is part of the agricultural sector reform policy.

  The government has included in the federal budget bill of 2023 the financial allocations for farmers' dues for the winter season 2022/2023, and they will be disbursed within a period not exceeding two weeks.

 Formation of bilateral committees of the government real estate department to overcome obstacles facing investors and Al-Kindi Company to secure livestock project needs.

 Care and attention must be given to investors and agricultural investment. Serious investors should be taken care of and directed to the Ministry's objectives.

 We are working on completing the Modern Villages project, attracting full-time graduates from the colleges of agriculture, veterinary, agricultural institutes, and preparatory schools, and expanding for other disciplines due to its importance in creating job opportunities.

 We must work to protect the producer and the consumer, control imports, prevent corruption and provide citizens' needs of livestock products.

  We are working on reviewing the Ministry of Agriculture's work and holding those who fail to perform their duties accountable. We will not allow any political party to interfere in the Ministry of Agriculture's work.

 Agriculture is a vital and sustainable sector that can be used for creating real development.