Syria is dealing well with the desertification problem, minister

Syria's Minister of Agriculture on Thursday said Syria paid great attention to the desertification problem where the forestation areas cover 257 Hectares.

"A quick reading for the tree-planting situation reveals the extent of progress that has been made to restore what is destroyed of lands from 1953 till 1970 where 2700 Hectares are afforested," The Minister told a celebration on the 53rd anniversary of the Tree Feast Day in Hama, central Syria.

He noted that this area of forestation has doubled to become over 257 Hectares and pointed at the same time that the forestation area was doubled along roads in addition to millions of tree-planting for fruitful trees and cuttings that are now in the peasants fields.

The Minister called upon concerned sides to pay special attention to the forestation and keep trees away from any dangers or threats.

The Minister opened later an exposition of the tree-cuttings that is held by al-Ghab Directorate for Agriculture.

Many small trees of Pine, Marron and Cypress were displayed at the exposition.

Participants at the celebration planted at al-Madiq a nearby town 30 thousand of tree-cuttings over a big area.