From: Berhane Habtemariam (Berhane.Habtemariam@gmx.de)
Date: Wed Apr 01 2009 - 13:29:27 EST
Stepping Up Efforts to Combat Natural Challenges
By Staff
Apr 1, 2009, 12:05
The priority of priorities in our national development strategy is attaining
food security towards the achievement of which substantial funds and efforts
are being exerted. National food security means secured sovereignty,
political independence and territorial integrity. Hence, the Eritrean
people, government and members of defense forces together have cemented the
course of development through the construction of the necessary
infrastructural foundation for irrigational farming.
In today's world of economic crisis, the important question is not whether a
country has been able to produce enough for one year but whether that
country has produced and stored enough food that goes beyond annual
consumption. And the basic approach in facing this challenge is to gradually
and continuously step up production levels.
As global studies indicate, there is a distinct possibility that the world
might face the similar natural challenges in 2009 as the previous year.
Whether these predictions will come true or not is a question that should be
left for time to answer. Still, rather than waiting for disaster to unfold,
it is the people and government's duty to develop a practical strategy based
on objective situations and make the necessary preparations for all
possibilities.
Parallel to this strategy, there needs to be a clear working mechanism in
overseeing equitable distribution of the harvested crops in all parts of the
country. Efforts are underway to enhance the production of complementary
sectors such as the fisheries, livestock and vegetable and fruits
production. Moreover, plans have been drafted as part of national
development strategy and work is already underway to further enhance water
reservation capacity and the levels of both the short and summer rains of
2009 will be closely monitored in all parts of the country.
Regardless of whether there will be natural challenges this year or not,
being prepared for any eventuality is the choice that affords security in
times of uncertainty. Hence it is now a stage where people inside and
outside the country, government and PFDJ institutions, members of defense
forces and administrative bodies to step up their efforts in their
respective fields and make their due contribution in the nation-building
process. And if we continue to tread on this path, there is no doubt that
food shortage will be a thing of the past in Eritrea.
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