Ahmed Mumin Seed, Somaliland’s Minister of Agricultural Development, canceled the deal that allowed a Chinese firm to grow castor trees in Wajaale Plains.
A statement dated Friday September 25, said that the ministry had cancelled an earlier agreement permitting a Chinese firm to plant 2,000ha of land in Wajaale Plains.
The agriculture minister said that he cancelled the previous agreement after intensive research undertaken by ministry staff on the dangers of castor to the soil, people, and animals.
Consequently, the previous agreement becomes null and void effective September 26, 2020.
The deal had come under heavy criticism, especially considering the toxicity of ricin, a lectin produced by castor oil seeds.