Southern Lebanese farmers remain resilient despite Israeli aggression
Lebanese farmers are facing an abundance of challenges and difficulties, expedited by the absence of the government, but remain headstrong despite the constant Israeli aggression against their lands.
At sunrise, Bassam Alayan heads to his field, located near his house in al-Baydaa village in Tyre, south Lebanon, followed by his son Mohamad to plow the land and install irrigation networks. Under the sight of Israeli reconnaissance jets, they resume their work that has not stopped since Israeli aggression against southern Lebanese villages began.
Every morning, Bassam plants seedlings as fatigue prints shine on his forehead when the sun hits. Smiling, he told Al Mayadeen that "the children of the land cannot abandon it. As farmers, we know exactly what that means, and we will continue planting every inch until the last scrape."
Bassam's experience reflects a portion of the general scene of the agricultural reality of the border area in the Tyre governate, which has seen, much like all other economic sectors, large setbacks.
Challenges and difficulties
Ahmad Awada, a farmer from Naqoura, who specializes in growing several types of produce, particularly bananas and citruses, explained to Al Mayadeen the reality of the agricultural sector in the area, noting that the "framework of the farmer shifted during the war, specifically amid the current challenges and security dangers."
According to Awada, among the challenges facing farmers are the dwindling number of laborers, the increase in hourly pay from 75,000 Lebanese Liras to 120,000 L.L., and the vast area of inaccessible land. "For example, I rented almost 130 dunams of these lands spread across Naqoura, Chihine, Marwahin, and more, and I allocated some for growth before the war, but I cannot access them now."
Regarding the produce grown, Ahmad noted that productivity decreased for several reasons, such as watering plants, which stopped in certain areas and was only completed during certain times in others, and it was never enough. Moreover, pesticide spraying processes were not being fulfilled effectively, particularly on citrus products.
Read more: Israeli north lost some $131mln in agriculture under Hezbollah's ops.
Ahmad emphasized that the challenges faced are not restricted to security only, but pesticides and fertilizers witnessed a spike in price because of the increase in global shipment prices. Banana and citrus shipments have also been hindered which decreased their prices at home. For instance, 2.5 kilograms of bananas previously cost 200,000 L.L. (around $2,15), whereas the price now stands at 75,000 L.L. (around $0.85).
Ahmad also addressed the role of governmental organizations that did not mobilize, contribute, or try to communicate with almost 50 farmers.
This is the case of Ismail Ismail, who still heads to his agricultural lands in Naqoura, in the town of Iskandarounah near the borders, where he grows fruits like watermelon and melon. He noted that traders have been demanding cash payments for seedlings, fertilizers, and equipment, while they used to grant farmers a certain timeframe until produce matures and gets sold.
He added that the cost of watermelon and melon season is not less than $1,500, which currently seems impossible due to the conditions and the unexpectedness of the situation.
#Biosphere_de_guerra: #Israel continues to attack using #whitephosphorus!
— Food Systems in Crisis (@FoodPandemic) November 3, 2023
📸s in #Mais_al_Jabal, widespread devastation to planted fields such as 🥬🍅 & #Basil caused by intense heat and chemical emissions. Global attention is needed in #South_Lebanon 🌍
🎥Another farmer shows… pic.twitter.com/ol2OWngZtd
Associations echo farmers
In this context, Ali Dbouq, the vice president of the Citrus, Banana, and Tropical Trees Farmers' Association and the vice president of the Southern Farmer Coalition Association, said that "the economy of the border area primarily relies on agriculture, specifically citrus products, olives, bananas, tobacco, beekeeping and cattle." He added, "All of these sectors saw economic losses, while over 45,000 olive trees were burned and over 1,100 bee hives were damaged, which equates to 15 tons of lost honey. This loss makes up almost half a million dollars. Initial estimates of losses in produce showed that 20,000 tons of citrus, 15,000 tons of bananas, and 2,000 tons of avocado were lost."
Dbouq said no governmental emergency plan or intervention of relevant ministries was available. The only assistance offered was through surveys, tours, and promises of compensation when the aggression stopped. He said, "Associations worked to send the messages of these farmers and urge the relevant ministries to act and compensate damages, and are developing projects to help farmers and beekeepers to sustain their businesses."
Between the scourges of war and the state’s abandonment of its responsibilities, the southern farmer in the border villages experiences great suffering, striving for livelihood and work. Despite all of that, they remain determined, insist on trying and pushing through, and stand up against "Israel's" warmongering, realizing that through resilience and struggle, they can live on their lands with dignity.
Read more: Israeli strikes have destroyed 800 hectares of farmland in Lebanon