Syrian Minister of Agriculture and Agrarian Reforms Mohammad Hassan Qatna

Syria's Minister of Agriculture and Agrarian Reforms, Mohammad Hassan Qatna, said that the wheat seeds distributed by US occupation forces among farmers in areas outside the control of the Syrian Army in al-Hasakah, are "extremely dangerous" because they can decrease agricultural yields, thereby serving the Ceasar Act.

In a statement to Sputnik, Qatna listed three reasons why the seeds being distributed by the US occupation were rejected. The first is that they are disease-ridden, which was confirmed through a number of lab tests, the second is that these seeds were mixed with others, such as barley, and the third is that this particular type of seeds has been banned in Syria since 1999, even if it were found to have been safe and healthy.

Lab reports revealing the presence of nematodes in the sample

Qatna clarified on Thursday that these seeds contain nematodes which are deadly to crops, even in small quantities. Syria had banned the distribution of wheat seeds containing nematodes, even in small quantities, in order to protect its agricultural production.

USAID had announced it would send 3000 tons of seeds to Syrian farmers.

To combat an anticipated wheat shortage this planting season in NE #Syria, @USAID is sending 3K metric tons of quality wheat seeds from Iraq to Syrian farmers. 2021’s wheat harvest was one of the poorest on record; these quality seeds will help prevent a food security crisis. pic.twitter.com/jF2g10XZ4O
— Samantha Power (@PowerUSAID) November 19, 2021

Al-Hasakah's Governor, Ghassan Halim had told Al Mayadeen that lab reports had shown that the seeds were infected with nematodes, which can destroy crops and reduce yields.