Farmers call for Minster’s resignation for approving imports of competing Egyptian potato

The president of the Lebanese Farmers Association, Antoine Howayek, warned yesterday of undesirable consequences on the domestic production as a result of the entry in bulk of Egyptian potato via the local ports. He demanded the resignation of minister Akram Chehayeb should he allow the admission of nearly 12 thousand tons of the Egyptian produce. The said quantity, Howayek explained, has been examined by the ministry’s staff until after midnight yesterday and outside the official working hours. He requested an immediate inquiry into the case to determine the perpetrators and hold them accountable. Howayek clarified that “the agreement with Egypt allows for the import of Egyptian potato from the first of February until the end of March, provided that the total quantity does not exceed 50 thousand tons each year,” noting that so far 55 thousand tons have been allowed into the country. Howayek went on to say, that “to the surprise of everyone, some 12 thousand tons of that potato loaded on ships arrived two days ago at the Lebanese harbors.” He cautioned against an imminent economic disaster that could knock down the potato production of Akkar which started early this year, and consequently will severely hit domestic agriculture which is experiencing one of its worst crisis. (