Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Joe Thompson | George Learned, the political advisor for the Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team,...... read more read more
By Sgt. 1st Class Joe Thompson
41st Fires Brigade Public Affairs Office
FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq – The farmers of Wasit province face serious challenges to bringing agriculture back as a staple in their economy. Due to water shortage over the last year, and the amount of salt the water picks up through the irrigation systems, traditional crops have a hard time growing. However, experimental farms may hold the key to a bountiful agricultural future.
"The experimental farms in Wasit province are funded by the Iraqi ministry of agriculture," explains Robert Kagler, team chief with Wasit Province Provincial Reconstruction Team. "They are designed to try new technologies, grow different crops and experiment with new fertilizers and irrigation systems."
Funding is the problem, according to Pat Moore, the PRT agricultural advisor from the Department of Foreign Agriculture Service currently working for the Department of State. "The Ministry of Agriculture has the right plan to bring the agriculture industry into the 21st century, but he needs the resources."
Lt. Gen. John Cooper, Multi-National Forces - Iraq Deputy Commanding General, visited the area in order to better understand the challenges. According to Moore, showing the top leaders the agricultural plan for the experimental farm will give them a better understanding of what is needed to make progress here.
"The general's visit opened the door for us," said Kagler. "My hope is that we can expand the experimental farm, and use it to help them put in new technology and to get the MoA to start more farms to improve the agriculture in Wasit province."
Cooper toured the experimental farm with members from his staff and Wasit PRT. He then met with the operators of the farm to get an idea of how they hope to achieve improved agriculture in this area.
"Agriculture has to be a priority here," said Cooper, as he was explaining his priorities for the province to the members of the PRT in a meeting after the tour.
The PRT and civil affairs teams are planning to help the local farmers with an agriculture extension training program in order to improve the state of agriculture in Wasit Province,
"The first step is to train the local farmers in the basics of farming, "Moore said.
Once the basics are mastered, the agriculture extension program can begin training farmers in the new technologies available. Civil affairs teams are currently initiating the agricultural extension program and accessing local Iraqis through the farmers unions.
| Date Taken: | 07.04.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 07.04.2008 10:14 |
| Story ID: | 21182 |
| Location: | AL KUT, IQ |
| Web Views: | 144 |
| Downloads: | 86 |
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