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July 28, 2000
ROME (AP) - Severe drought, unemployment and falling agricultural production threaten Tajikistan with a serious food crisis, two U.N. agencies, reported Thursday. About three million people, half of Tajikistan's total population, are facing hunger and undernourishment unless urgent food aid is provided, the Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Program, said. Cereal production has steadily declined in the former Soviet republic since 1997 due to persistent economic and security problems, lack of quality seeds, and the breakdown of irrigation systems and agricultural machinery, the FAO and the WFP said. Cereal production fell by 47 percent from 1999 to 2000, mainly due to a drought that almost destroyed the country's winter and spring wheat crops, the U.N. agencies said. They estimate that in 2000-2001 the country will have to import 787,000 tons of cereals. Commercial imports are expected to supply 400,000 tons and food aid pledges a further 74,000 tons, leaving Tajikistan with a 313,000 tons shortfall. The U.N. agencies also appealed to donors to sned quality seeds in time for the winter wheat planting season that starts in October and to help fix irrigation systems. They urged Tajik authorities to accelerate a land reform program and to expand private farming. On the Net: The mission report on Tajikistan is at: http://www.fao.org/giews/english/alertes/2000/SA310TAJ.htm The FAO is: http:/www.fao.org The WFP is : http:/www.wfp.org |