Africa-Press – Eritrea. Ms. Moderator!
Excellencies Ministers!
High Government, PFDJ, and Army Officials!
Dr. Martin Ovberedjo Representing Ms. Esther Lusepani, FAO Representative!
Ms. Nashida Sattar, UNDP Deputy Representative!
Ambassadors, Senior Embassy Officials and
Honorary consuls!
UN Resident Coordinator!
Heads of UN Agencies!
Religious Leaders!
Representative Farmers Present!
Ladies and Gentlemen!
To begin with, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you all for honoring our invitation.
This year’s World Food Day theme is “Water is life. Water is food”
As we address this important topic, we are touching the fundamental aspect of our existence; a resource so precious and essential that it sustains all life on this planet. Water is not merely a basic necessity. It is the very foundation of our existence. It is a source of life and a symbol of purity, bringing both growth, rejuvenation, and vitality.
We often take water for granted assuming that it will always be readily available for us. However, the reality is far from this. Our world is facing environmental water crises, and it is our collective responsibility to take action.
Distinguished participants
Water scarcity is not limited to a few remote regions anymore. It is a global issue. Drought is becoming more pronounced rivers are drying up and water resources are depleting at an alarming rate. As the population continues to grow so does the demand for water. Agriculture, industry, and our daily activities are placing an unprecedented strain on water resources. If we continue on this path. It won’t be long before we face a severe shortage of water, jeopardizing our very survival.
Distinguished participants
The trend that I have described above is also true in Eritrea. Because of deforestation and climate change our rivers, lakes, and rainfall are constantly declining. It is precisely for this reason that the government has been launching serious programs on soil and water conservation in general and building different sizes of dams in particular. The number of reservoirs constructed since independence has grown by eight times.
As a result crop production has increased by two times while vegetables and fruits have increased by 06 times and 71 times respectively. The correlation between the increase in water holding capacity and production clearly demonstrates that water is also food.
Distinguished participants
Before I conclude I would like to announce that Eritrean dates packaged in a specially designed one Kg. box will be displayed and tasted for the first time. This crop will be on an upward trend in the next few years.
Considering the preciousness of water and its scarcity, the world is going through“drop per crop” philosophy in order to utilize water judiciously. We are also following this trend by constantly shifting from furrow irrigation to pressurized irrigation.
In conclusion, let me congratulate our partners especially the FAO and UNDP for working together to make the World Food Day and World Poverty Eradication Day a success.
I also commend the organizing committee and the management of this facility for a job extremely well done!
I thank you for your attention!
16/10/2023
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