Farmers’ continuing misfortunes eased by a promising potato harvest

Hardships are continuously quelling Lebanese farmers who are no longer sure how to market their harvests and provide for their subsistence. The summer, with its unprecedented high temperatures, has added to their present troubles, harshly affecting their production, the last of which was the destruction of thousands of birds and chicken. Commenting on the general dire situation after the closure of the Syrian-Jordanian borders, the President of the Maritime Transport Agents in Lebanon, Hassan Jarudi, disclosed to the Al Hayat newspaper that only one large vessel carrying trucks loaded with goods has actually departed from the Tripoli heading to Aqaba Port in Jordan. He noted that this modest achievement came as a result of a private initiative by exporters. Furthermore, Jarudi added that the success of the newly-opened Tripoli sea route depends on the ability of exporters to assemble some 60 to 70 trucks for each two-way trip. The President of the Lebanese Farmers’ Association Antoine Howayek told the newspaper that the sea export traffic is still modest noting that nearly 50% of exports were re-channeled to domestic consumption instead of Arab GCC markets, regrettably thus pushing down prices as well as a the waste of some the extra supply. Similarly, the board director of the development of exports at the Lebanese Industrialists Association, Munir Bisat, revealed to Al Mustaqbal daily that sea export via vessels is still cheaper than land. However, Bisat added that time remains a disadvantage for goods heading by seat towards Jordan and Saudi Arabia by sea compared to the land route. On the other hand, news of potato harvesting in West and Central Bekaa and Rashaya indicates a promising season despite the recent climatic, political and economic unfavorable factors. Potato harvest in the Beqaa fields is in full swing with tens of Syrian farm workers who toil to provide for their daily subsistence under the hot skies. In this respect, Engineer Gilbert Abu Monsef, pointed out that the price of potato in the Gulf markets has improved as a result of the faltering season of European potatoes. He said the potato domestic market is normal and sea export is running smoothly unlike that of other agricultural products. (Al Hayat, Al Mustaqbal, 9 and 10 August 2015)