Idlib – Samah Alloush
After being liberated from the expelled Assad forces, Mohammed al-Qasim planted his land on the outskirts of Saraqib, eastern Idlib, with wheat and barley, hoping to make profits from his harvest that would compensate for his losses during years of displacement and to repair his destroyed home.
However, the farmer’s calculations did not pan out, and he incurred losses amounting to $800, considering the expenses of plowing the land, seeds, and fertilizers. After his recent visit to check on his land, he found that the harvest was only suitable for animal feed despite the heavy rains in recent times.
Although the returning farmers were optimistic about the rains that fell in April in Idlib province, the drought and the lack of moisture in the roots during the winter season were enough to damage most of the crop, causing them losses.
Low production
Obaida Akoush, who cultivated his land in the villages of Jabal al-Zawiya in southern Idlib, stated that the crop production this year is low compared to previous years.
Akoush planted part of his land with barley and lentils, but the crop was completely damaged. The other part was irrigated (due to the presence of an artesian well) with fava beans and black seeds, but the latter, being a climbing plant, was also damaged due to the strong winds that accompanied the rains last April.
What remains of his harvest is less than usual and not at the required level, due to the absence of sufficient rainwater that farmers rely on, in addition to other irrigation methods, according to Akoush’s statements to Enab Baladi.
Rainfed crops are more affected
Agricultural engineer Farida Darwish told Enab Baladi that rainfed crops, especially wheat, barley, and lentils, have been significantly affected due to the decrease in rainfall rates. She estimated the yield reduction to range between 40% and 60% in some areas of Idlib province, leading to increased soil salinity and dryness, and a decline in the microorganisms that help with soil fertility.
The engineer, who previously worked in the Hama Agriculture Directorate and in Kafr Zita, noted that the lack of rain has also led to a decline in livestock due to lower quality of natural pastures and the scarcity of fodder, which will negatively impact livestock breeders, consequently raising prices, according to Darwish.
As for aromatic crops like cumin, black seed, coriander, and anise, they are less affected than grains since they are irrigated and require large amounts of water, according to the engineer.
Advice for farmers
The engineer provided some advice to farmers, such as testing the soil before planting to ensure it is disease-free, using good-quality seeds purchased from state institutions for seed multiplication—such as those resistant to frost, drought, and diseases—and avoiding random purchases from traders.
She also urged farmers to monitor climatic fluctuations and resort to alternative irrigation methods if rainfall is below average to prevent total crop loss and to manage the situation somewhat.
Among the solutions proposed by Darwish are financial support for farmers, compensation for any losses, facilitating agricultural loans, and support from international organizations to fund emergencies and train farmers and engineers to deal with crises.
She emphasized the importance of reactivating agricultural advisory units in the province’s countryside, as the agricultural engineer working there has direct contact and communication with farmers in the field, receives agricultural news, monitors climatic fluctuations, and is aware of how to deal with the crises they face, making these units a vital link between both parties.
Six steps from the Agriculture Directorate
Mustafa Mouhid, the Director of Agriculture and Agricultural Reform in Idlib, confirmed to Enab Baladi that the advisory units and seed multiplication institutions in the province will be reactivated.
Regarding the directorate’s plans to address the impacts of drought, Mouhid stated the following:
Seminars and advisory newsletters aimed at raising awareness to confront frost, drought, and pests. Control of economic pests such as corn bugs, locusts, pine caterpillars, and hopper bugs. Recommendation of suitable seed varieties for the region in cooperation with the Research Directorate. Collaboration with the Research Directorate to study adjusting the planting dates of some varieties and whether to stop or continue planting specific crops based on climate changes. Prohibition of encroachment on forest trees. Maintenance of irrigation channels.
Drought causes losses for farmers in Idlib Enab Baladi.
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