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)