Lead:
President Joseph Aoun announced allocation of 47.5 million dollars in support for southern Lebanese farmers, comprising 7.5 million dollars in immediate assistance and 40 million dollars for 1,500 plastic greenhouses and 50 water pumps for accessible agricultural land. Aoun addressed a gathering of southern farmers and the Sustainable Agricultural Cooperative in Sarda, emphasizing the state's commitment to farmers within available capacity while acknowledging the challenges of current field conditions.
Details:
According to Al-Joumhouria and Ad-Diyar, President Aoun stated: "I am a son of the South, and I know exactly what the land means to its people and the necessity of attachment to it, because it is the foundation of our existence." He directed the agriculture minister to allocate the additional funds for areas currently inaccessible, pending resolution of field difficulties.
The announcement came as residents of Kafr Shouba in the Arqub region of Hasbaya district accessed their olive harvest fields for a single day on a restricted schedule from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to Al-Akhbar. The municipality of Kafr Shouba stated the agreement permits limited access for 120 designated owners and farmers. Kafr Shouba Mayor Qasim Al-Qadri explained to Al-Akhbar that this arrangement allows farmers to inspect their land and salvage what remains of the season. The operation proceeded without Lebanese Army presence but under UNIFIL patrols.
Aoun's commitment reflects broader efforts to sustain agricultural production in southern Lebanon amid operational constraints and security challenges affecting farming activity in the border region.
Watch For:
Whether the full 40 million dollar allocation reaches farmers before winter growing season concludes in December. Whether field access restrictions ease to permit fuller harvesting operations beyond single-day windows. Whether the agricultural support package becomes part of larger state reconstruction initiatives as international assessments of Lebanon's needs proceed.