FAO completes seed distribution program in Afghanistan

FAO completes seed distribution program in Afghanistan    The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization has distributed 3,000 tons of seeds and 4,500 tons of fertilizer to about 60,000 Afghan families in time for the 2004 planting season in that country.
   The FAO said the seed and fertilizer were contributions from Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and the United States.
   The organization has managed a seed distribution program in Afghanistan since 2002.
   The FAO said its seed varieties “performed better than local and other improved varieties found in world markets.” The organization also touted the seeds’ higher germination rates and resistance to cold weather, disease and drought.