- 29
- Jan.
- 2025
The Lebanese agricultural sector, already weakened by a complex economic situation, is now facing two major challenges. On one hand, an unusually mild winter threatens agricultural yields, and on the other, the repercussions of the war are affecting not only infrastructure but also production resources.
The agricultural sector is navigating through thick fog due to climate and geopolitical conditions disrupting farming practices, with direct consequences on yields, crop quality and economic stability.
“The spring-like climate, characterized by moderate temperatures and insufficient, irregular rainfall, is one of the major factors affecting the country’s agricultural sector, which depends on the climate,” said Abdallah Nasreddine, adviser to the caretaker minister of agriculture, to This is Beirut. He noted that the agricultural sector could face challenges if rainfall is too intense or irregular, leading to flash floods or droughts that could negatively impact agricultural productivity.
Indeed, a winter with abnormally mild temperatures and little precipitation can stimulate premature growth in fruits and vegetables. Some plants may start budding well ahead of the season. However, late frosts and hailstorms, often following spring-like temperatures, can damage fragile plants that have started to germinate too early, jeopardizing the harvest.
Additionally, the absence of a harsh winter can disrupt the dormancy cycle of certain plants. Many crops require winter cold to enter a rest phase essential for their development. Without this, plants may become vulnerable to unfavorable climate conditions or diseases.
A 70% Drop in Rainfall
Rainfall levels have also dropped by 70% compared to previous years. Without sufficient water reserves in the soil, plants struggle to develop properly. Dry soil delays germination and growth, affecting crop yields. Furthermore, prolonged droughts will also reduce water reserves for summer crops, a critical period for fruit and vegetable ripening.
Beyond the simple reduction in yields, an abnormally mild and dry climate can have significant economic repercussions. Farmers face declining profitability due to increased irrigation costs. Additionally, the quality of produce can diminish, affecting market prices.
The Challenges of War
“In addition to the effects of spring-like weather,” added Nasreddine, “the Lebanese agricultural sector is facing further challenges due to the damage caused by recent Israeli bombings targeting agricultural areas in southern Lebanon. The bombings in question have destroyed crops and damaged infrastructure. Many harvests have been lost, particularly in border areas where farmland has been destroyed, exacerbating the food security problem in certain regions.” The agricultural livelihoods of farmers in these areas have also been affected.
In this context, it is worth noting that the Caretaker Minister of Agriculture, Abbas Hajj Hassan, has launched a national plan to study and assess the agricultural damage caused by the bombings. This plan aims to evaluate the extent of damage to agricultural crops and identify the most affected sectors, including olive and avocado crops, which have been heavily impacted. It also seeks to provide support to affected farmers through compensation programs and to assist in rehabilitating damaged farmland.
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