Menu
16/05/2005
Belfast scientists help tsunami relief effort
Two local scientists from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development are embarking on a mercy mission to the Banda Aceh region of Indonesia.
Whilst on the trip, which has been organised by local consultancy NI-CO and funded by the charity, Tear Fund, the scientists will assess the impact of last December's tsunami on the region's agricultural industry.
Dr Ethel White and Dr John Bailey are two of the UK's leading experts in soils, plants and crops. Their week long expedition will be spent analysing how much sea salt is now in the farmland soil, enabling them to provide essential advice and recommendations on suitable crops for farmers to grow in the devastated region.
Before leaving Belfast for Banda Aceh, Dr Bailey said: "Indonesia was one of the areas worst affected by the tsunami. Coastal rice production has been severely damaged, as the waves swamped rice fields, destroyed processing infrastructure and contaminated the land. In these areas, farmers lost everything - their crops, agriculture tools and seed.
"We will be working to help the local farmers with preparations to get back into production, and so begin the task of rebuilding their vital agriculture industry."
The trip will also allow the scientists to work together with NI-CO Chief Executive, Rupert Haydock, who is currently in Indonesia assessing the relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction project in process.
Mr Haydock said: "The people of Northern Ireland have donated hundreds of thousands of pounds to the Tsunami Appeal. This mission will allow us to play an active role in the relief effort, to witness first hand how existing funds are being used and influence how future money is spent."
(MB/SP)
Whilst on the trip, which has been organised by local consultancy NI-CO and funded by the charity, Tear Fund, the scientists will assess the impact of last December's tsunami on the region's agricultural industry.
Dr Ethel White and Dr John Bailey are two of the UK's leading experts in soils, plants and crops. Their week long expedition will be spent analysing how much sea salt is now in the farmland soil, enabling them to provide essential advice and recommendations on suitable crops for farmers to grow in the devastated region.
Before leaving Belfast for Banda Aceh, Dr Bailey said: "Indonesia was one of the areas worst affected by the tsunami. Coastal rice production has been severely damaged, as the waves swamped rice fields, destroyed processing infrastructure and contaminated the land. In these areas, farmers lost everything - their crops, agriculture tools and seed.
"We will be working to help the local farmers with preparations to get back into production, and so begin the task of rebuilding their vital agriculture industry."
The trip will also allow the scientists to work together with NI-CO Chief Executive, Rupert Haydock, who is currently in Indonesia assessing the relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction project in process.
Mr Haydock said: "The people of Northern Ireland have donated hundreds of thousands of pounds to the Tsunami Appeal. This mission will allow us to play an active role in the relief effort, to witness first hand how existing funds are being used and influence how future money is spent."
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 November 2024
Belfast Region City Deal Delivers Early Results
The Belfast Region City Deal, a decade-long investment program, is already making significant strides in delivering tangible benefits to the region. Three years after its inception, partners from the program recently visited Stormont to showcase the progress made so far.
Belfast Region City Deal Delivers Early Results
The Belfast Region City Deal, a decade-long investment program, is already making significant strides in delivering tangible benefits to the region. Three years after its inception, partners from the program recently visited Stormont to showcase the progress made so far.
09 March 2011
Young Farmers' Sponsorship Welcomed
There's news today of welcome commercial sponsorship that is helping to assure the continuation of an important rural initiative. Just weeks after heated debate over a since revised plan to cut substantial funding for the Young Farmers' Clubs of Ulster (YFCU), the rural network has revealed a deal with Elanco.
Young Farmers' Sponsorship Welcomed
There's news today of welcome commercial sponsorship that is helping to assure the continuation of an important rural initiative. Just weeks after heated debate over a since revised plan to cut substantial funding for the Young Farmers' Clubs of Ulster (YFCU), the rural network has revealed a deal with Elanco.
10 December 2008
Tyrone Link In PCB Contamination Probed
There's a cross-border probe underway today as the police in Northern Ireland help gardaí investigate apparent contamination of animal feed which sparked a major health alert over Irish pork products - and later cast a shadow over beef products too.
Tyrone Link In PCB Contamination Probed
There's a cross-border probe underway today as the police in Northern Ireland help gardaí investigate apparent contamination of animal feed which sparked a major health alert over Irish pork products - and later cast a shadow over beef products too.
30 August 2007
Fire At Fermanagh Sinn Fein Office
Sinn Fein offices at Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh have been substantially damaged following a fire. The top three floors of the four-storey building were severely damaged in the overnight fire and police are treating the outbreak as suspicious.
Fire At Fermanagh Sinn Fein Office
Sinn Fein offices at Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh have been substantially damaged following a fire. The top three floors of the four-storey building were severely damaged in the overnight fire and police are treating the outbreak as suspicious.
20 August 2004
OnlineNI.net launch provides latest government information
A new website which provides information on the latest Government and public services news has been launched today. OnlineNI.net has links to over 4,500 websites, accessible through key themes such as business, agriculture, benefits, health, taxation, employment and arts and culture.
OnlineNI.net launch provides latest government information
A new website which provides information on the latest Government and public services news has been launched today. OnlineNI.net has links to over 4,500 websites, accessible through key themes such as business, agriculture, benefits, health, taxation, employment and arts and culture.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
