Lebanon Reports Israeli Damage to Over 22% of Southern Farmland
Lebanon announced on Thursday that Israeli attacks have damaged more than 22.5% of its agricultural land in the south, an area exceeding 56,000 hectares. This announcement came from Minister of Agriculture, Nizar Youssef, following a meeting with President Joseph Aoun in Beirut. The minister briefed President Aoun on the extensive agricultural damage in the south, emphasizing the need to provide farmers with necessary resources to access their land and harvest crops.
The Ministry of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Lebanese army, has implemented measures to facilitate farmers' access to their land for harvesting. These efforts are ongoing despite a framework agreement signed in June, which stipulated a gradual Israeli withdrawal in exchange for the deployment of the Lebanese army in occupied territories. Preparations are also underway for new US-sponsored negotiations in Rome this September.
Minister Youssef stated that efforts are being made to secure funding from various sources to address the damage caused by Israeli aggression. A joint project with the World Bank, valued at approximately $40 million, is dedicated to this purpose. Additionally, the ministry is collaborating with donor organizations and agricultural sector partners to secure further financing. Direct support of $6 to $7 million is currently being provided to farmers, with hopes of securing more funds for rehabilitation.
The article also touches upon the broader Lebanese economic crisis, described by international institutions like the World Bank as one of the worst since the mid-19th century, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict. In terms of agricultural marketing, Minister Youssef noted a significant surplus of apples and grapes this year. Saudi Arabia has reopened its market to Lebanese agricultural products, and a land route through Saudi Arabia to Gulf countries is now available. Lebanon is currently exporting about 2,000 tons of agricultural products daily, with aspirations to increase this volume.
Discussions with President Aoun included establishing a mechanism for communication with Arab nations to facilitate agricultural exports, particularly apples and grapes. The minister also updated the president on the National Agriculture Plan 2027-2035. Lebanon is seeking to leverage developing relations with the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia for investments and development plans. Saudi Arabia recently resumed imports from Lebanon after a previous ban in 2021, a move expected to boost key economic sectors.
