Tropical fruits as an alternative to conventional agriculture in Akkar

Farmers in Akkar have suffered from difficulties in exporting and marketing their traditional produce namely grapes, apples, citrus fruits, almond, pears and apricots.  As a result, they have been trying to transition to exotic produce such as annona, avocado, persimmon, mangoes, passion fruits, kiwi and chestnuts.  According to one of the local farmers, Khaled al Awad, a number of studies and tests are currently being performed on a number of new produce to see what kind of care they require and what packaging should be used to meet the standards of European and Arab markets.  Al Awad noted however, that such a new directions will require official support as individual initiatives, no matter how serious or strong they are, cannot move forward the vital agricultural sector forward which employs or benefits some 40% of the Lebanese population.  To be noted that avocado planting has significantly advanced in Akkar where 70 hectares are already planted with this produce which, according to farmers, provides acceptable revenues compared to the deteriorating planting of grapes.  Kiwi is still in its experimental phase whilst passion fruits planting is tempting farmers due to its acceptable revenues, noting that researches have shown that is the most popular fruit in Arab countries (As-Safir, June 25, 2016)