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Alternative crops in Beqaa will boost the economy and local employment

16-6-2015

Al Diyar daily published one week ago an interview with head of the Economy Committee at the Chamber of Trade, Agriculture and Industry in Zahle and Beqaa, Tony Tomeh, to discuss the advantages of introducing new crops as alternative livelihoods to the cultivation of hashish. Tomeh accused the government of neglecting and of relinquishing its responsibilities in providing the basic services and rights to farmers, thus forcing them to resort to the growing of hashish. There are many alternative crops, he explained, that could generate additional income for the country, primarily cereals, (like wheat, barely, lentils, etc). He emphasized that the growing of wheat on lands now cultivated by hashish, help the country achieve food self-sufficiency and even export some surplus. It is to be noted that presently Lebanon imports 80% of its food requirements at a cost of USD 300 million. He went on to say that the growing of aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, lemon-balm, oregano, sumac and damask rose which are processed into perfumes and tisane or herbal teas will also create new job opportunities and will lead to the setting up of new processing factories. Finally, Tomeh highlighted the important role that sunflower growing can play in boosting the economy, increasing exports and decreasing the deficit of the balance of payments. (Al Diyar, 16 June 2015)

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