Dubarwa — A tripartite meeting of the Eritrean Cabinet of Ministers, Regional Administrators and Operation Zone Commanders was conducted today in the town of Dubarwa.

The meeting mainly focused on progress made in harvest gathering in the year 2007 and preparations for the next rainy season. After assessing the contribution of the harvest obtained last year to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), vis-à-vis the reports earlier submitted by administrative bodies, the meeting outlined methodologies, implementation mechanisms and progress indicators so as to ensure objective and accurate productivity estimates in the future. It further reminded that the harvest that has not yet been gathered should be put under appropriate storage at the earliest. Considering the fact that studies at a global level, as regards weather forecast for the 2008 rainy season, indicate unreliable rainfall distribution in the greater portion of the Horn of Africa, it decided that the harvest obtained in 2007 should be economically utilized, along with effective management, in the interest of the public.

Taking into account the factors just cited, as well as other global and regional indicators coupled with the growing price hike of commodities in the world market, the tripartite meeting conducted an in-depth discussion on the integrated national program that has been charted to control possible shortages.

In line with the program mapped out, agricultural production in 2008 would be undertaken on the basis of selected and target-oriented criteria, and thereby concentrate in those areas not easily affected by inadequate rainfall. The necessary additional activities will also be carried out in other places towards achieving the desired goal.

The tripartite meeting of the Ministerial Cabinet, Regional Administrators and Operation Zone Commanders also called on urban administrations and other bodies to ensure efficient management regarding water consumption in individual homes and industrial establishments. Furthermore, the meeting reminded all the concerned parties to see to it that maximum attention is given to the task of wise utilization of water resources in the country. It went on to stress the need for proper handling and development of rangelands. Besides, the meeting agreed on the steps that need to be taken so as to effectively harness the nation's fishery resources, in addition to putting in place the necessary mechanism for distributing fish product to all parts of the country at fair price.

The tripartite meeting called on all government institutions, Administrations, the public and EDF members to make advance preparations, at the earliest, towards the realization of the set objectives and making optimal use of this year's rainy season.

In this connection, following deliberations on ways of pursuing the previously outlined program of moving farmers living in areas of low productivity to fertile surroundings, the meeting gave directives on ways to future handle the scheme.

After discussing the major programs submitted to all administrations, as regards agricultural development and expansion of infrastructure pertaining to the sector, the tripartite meeting of the Ministerial Cabinet, Regional Administrators and Operation Zone Commanders concluded its deliberations adopting an action plan.