Official, local initiatives to support agriculture in Beqaa, North Lebanon

This past weekend saw a number of civic, local and official initiatives in support of farmers in Beqaa. The caretaker minister of agriculture, Abbas Mortada, opened on Sunday the ‘Lebanese Vine Day’ organized by the Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training (LOST) at the Community Farm in Baalbek. Mortada said on the occasion, that such exhibitions  are part of the ministry’s strategies to achieve rural development, and to strengthen the cooperative sector. Furthermore, Mortada inaugurated on Saturday the ‘Green Project’ Office at Hermel Serail, while stating that the opening of the office  will facilitate administrative procedures for all people of Northern Beqaa. He also opened an agricultural center in the Beqaa town of Arsal, as part of the ministry’s efforts to alleviate the harsh conditions in the town. On the other hand, Jihad Al Binaa Development Association, in collaboration with the Union of Municipalities of Hermel, kicked off last Friday the second phase of Al Hakura project for family agricultural production. The event comes as part of the association’s efforts to bolster the  household economy, rebuild the food system and boost the steadfastness of local villagers. Similarly in North Lebanon, the first phase of the Maronite Mutual Fund program started in Diman and Wadi Qannoubin in support of local farmers, and which includes soil testing to determine the feasible types of crops in the area, as well as the required nutrients for existing as well as newly reclaimed lands. (Al Diyar, October 24, 25, 26, 2020)