Minister of Agriculture calls for an increase in budget and for extending social security to the poorest of the population

The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Hajj Hassan, while present during the distribution of some 1163 greenhouses to 223 farmers whose greenhouses were damaged during snow storms that hit the Northern Bekaa during the past two years, called for the expansion of health and social security plan so as to include farmers and fisherfolks who constitute the most vulnerable and needy segments of society.  The distribution event was held at the Department of Agriculture in Baalbek - Hermel upon the invitation of the Association for Agricultural Extension, Jihad al Bina', in addition to the Federation of the Syndicates of Farmers and Greenhouse Farmers.  Hajj Hassan further added that development of agriculture in Lebanon needs a policy decision on two levels, namely support to agriculture and farmers, as well as protection for local products.  He noted that over the last few years, the Ministry made significant efforts at these two levels whilst placing more emphasize on protection since the Ministry does not have the necessary resources to support agriculture and farmers.

Hajj Hassan further added that the state has reverted to subsidizing exports thus enabling Lebanon to export 550 thousand tons of agricultural products in 2013.  However, he insisted that the Ministry still needs further financial resources despite the increase in its recent budget and so as to be able to meet existing needs. He also disclosed that his budget ends up with a zero balance at the end of every year.  Finally, Hajj Hassan spoke about the "natural disaster insurance plan" which has yet to materialise because the state has yet provided financial commitment to it.  According to the high official, once this insurance system is put in place, farmers will be compensated for damages during a period not exceeding three months.

(Annahar and Al-Diyar 20 January, 2014)