'Ray of Hope': Gaza Seed Bank Rebuilds After Wartime Destruction
The project uses a lending system and stores 80% to 90% of the same yield repeatedly, manager Salem Muhanna said.
- In Deir el-Balah, the Al Qarara Seed Bank is rebuilding stocks of heirloom seeds destroyed during the Israel-Hamas war that erupted in October 2023. The project aims to revive Gaza's devastated farming sector and preserve indigenous crop varieties.
- Repeated displacement and fighting destroyed the original bank, forcing staff to restart in a makeshift tent. Manager Salem Muhanna's daughter, Hanadi Muhanna, explained the conflict caused loss of many seed varieties, complicating recovery efforts.
- Supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross , the bank operates a lending system for local farmers. Muhanna noted heirloom seeds provide "80 to 90 percent of the same yield repeatedly," making them essential for survival.
- Restricted by limited agricultural supplies, farmers like Suleiman Abu Shamas from Deir el-Balah use heirloom seeds to build a "food basket." With no water or fertilizer available, these stocks serve as the primary safeguard for food production.
- Before the war, agriculture accounted for approximately 10 percent of Gaza's economy, according to the Food and Agricultural Organisation . Economic security officer Osama Al-Mukhalalati called the bank a "ray of hope" for preserving Gaza's agricultural heritage.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Malay Mail
AlKhaleej Today‘Ray of hope’: Gaza seed bank rebuilds stocks destroyed by war in bid to revive farming
DEIR EL-BALAH, Aug 20 — From a small makeshift tent in the central Gaza Strip, a dedicated team works to carefully store and document some of the war-shattered territory’s most precious commodities: local seeds.Shelves of unassuming plastic tubs line the walls of the Al Qarara Seed Bank, each holding indigenous seeds seen as a way of reviving Gaza’s devastated farming sector and preserving its agricultural heritage.The seed bank in Deir el-Balah…
"The fighting completely destroyed the bank and led to the loss of many varieties."
In a brief shelter set up in the heart of the Gaza Strip, a team is working to rebuild a collection of local seeds destroyed by the... The Gaza article saves its traditional seeds under a makeshift tent appeared first on Le Singulier.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center, 50% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
