Gaza, ALRAY - A Gaza official estimated the siege-incurred losses of the agricultural sector at $300 million per annum.

Since the siege was imposed eight years ago, the annual exports have been worth up to $3.5 million, comparing to $40m before, Director General for Planning at the Ministry of Agriculture Nabil Abu Shammala said Sunday.

The agricultural production in Gaza, which totals annual 1.2 million tons making up $380m, has reduced the imports from Israel to $26 million, he added in a press conference at the Ministry of Information.

The productivity mainly lies with vegetableو fruit, and olive crops, he explained.

Abu Shammala called on all international and local organizations to mount pressure on the occupation to allow the Gaza exports of agricultural production, which would increase agricultural productivity and support economy.