A shepherd and his flock in Mansourieh, in Metn. Illustrative photo/L'Orient-Le Jour
Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani outlined the main objectives of his mandate in a statement to Lebanese journalists, relayed Thursday by the National News Agency (NNA). His remarks came a day after Parliament granted its vote of confidence to Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government.
Hani urged Lebanese farmers to register with the national agricultural registry, estimating that at least half had yet to do so.
“The number of registered farmers to date has reached 48,000, while the target is 100,000,” he said. He acknowledged that the Agriculture Ministry’s budget remains “modest due to the financial crisis still affecting Lebanon,” but assured that discussions would be held with donor countries and organizations to “support agricultural projects.”
The minister emphasized that his priority was to “support local producers.” Lebanese farmers frequently complain that the domestic market is being flooded with Syrian products, both legally and through smuggling. They have also urged authorities to restrict the import of certain competing goods, such as Egyptian potatoes.
“The government is striving to control the borders and limit the entry of smuggled products into Lebanon because it has a negative impact on the agricultural sector and the local economy,” Hani said.
On agricultural exports, Hani expressed optimism about potential progress in reopening the Saudi market to Lebanese products. President Joseph Aoun is expected to visit Riyadh next week, and discussions on the issue are anticipated.
Saudi Arabia banned fruit and vegetable imports from Lebanon in 2021, citing drug smuggling operations and calling on Lebanese authorities to find a lasting solution.
Lebanon’s agricultural sector suffered heavy losses during the Hezbollah-Israel war, which lasted until a cease-fire took effect on Nov. 27.
According to a preliminary World Bank assessment published in November — before the final month of fighting — damage to the sector stood at $124 million, or 3.6 percent of the $3.4 billion recorded at the time. Economic losses in the sector totaled $1.13 billion, more than a fifth of the total $5.1 billion in losses.
The World Bank is expected to release an updated assessment of the damage and losses soon.
