United Nations Radio

The United Nations food agency has welcomed a contribution of $12 million from the government of India to feed school children in Afghanistan. ~~

The World Food Programme says the money will be used to buy fortified biscuits made from Indian wheat.

WFP spokesperson Emilia Casella says biscuits will be transported through Pakistan, marking a major transportation breakthrough for humanitarian assistance from India to Afghanistan.

"And thanks to this generous donation from India, more than one and a half million school children in Afghanistan will be receiving these fortified biscuits at school. We already provide more than two million children with food assistance in schools and also take home rations for more than half a million girls in Afghan schools."

The World Food Programme says it has a shortfall of $17 million for its feeding programme over the next six months in Afghanistan.

Diane Bailey, United Nations.

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