Disappointing apple season in Akkar and Ehden

Al Mustaqbal daily pointed out in a feature published today a decline in apple cultivation in Ehden area, north Lebanon, despite it being the primary source of livelihood for many households in the area. The reason for this decline, the newspaper went on to explain, was the absence of sound marketing strategies, of a good agricultural extension service, in addition to the grip on prices by big merchants. In this respect, one farmer, Iskandar Iskandar, complained that “the season this year has fallen off by one third of the normal,” noting that while last year’s total production reached 12 million crates, the present year’s harvest will barely record 4 million crates, given the unprecedented weather conditions that hit the country.

Similarly, the apple harvest in Akkar was far from better and actually was described by farmers as “the worst ever”. Climatic hazards accompanied with sand storms, has shattered all hopes in a good harvest season. Al Mustaqbal went to clarify that natural hazards, closure of land crossings with Syria with the resulting truck crisis and the exorbitant maritime shipping cost, the extra costs of refrigeration and packaging services of Bzbina and Fnaydek plants, have all contributed to the bad harvest. On this, one apple grower and a unionist from Akkar Al-3ateeqa, Khaled Shaheen, said, “The disappointing season this year came as a shock to most farmers. He also noted a total absence of official assistance, adding: “We lack a genuine agricultural extension and all sorts of in-kind or financial assistance. He urged all concerned officials and Akkar MPs to help in any way possible particularly in securing financial compensations to farmers who were inflicted with heavy losses.

Al Mustaqbal, September 28, 2015