Ways to reduce impact of COVID-19 on farm sector discussed

 The Sultanate, represented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, discussed ways to reduce the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) on agriculture and food security in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Oman, in its capacity as head of the 35th session of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), chaired a virtual meeting yesterday.

The meeting was aimed at developing a uniform, appropriate approach to manage zoonotic diseases and the impact of coronavirus on the livestock sector. It also discussed ways to devise a unified, healthy plan of work, enhance lab monitoring capabilities, prevention, detection, response and alleviation of risks posed by infectious diseases and resistance to anti-microbes.

In particular, the meeting aimed to draft a programme for the development of capacities and the application of Target One Health partners’ programme.

Other issues raised during the meeting included investment in biological safety and security, food safety, quarantine methods, veterinary education, reinforcement of workforce and monitoring and response to communicable diseases, besides national plans on resistance of anti-microbes.