Carob production in Qosaybeh surviving despite harsh conditions

The season for the production of carob molasses has just started in the Upper Matn town of Qosaybeh amidst very harsh conditions, Al Mustaqbal daily reported in its issue of today. This seasonal industry is facing strong local competition with prices unchanged despite the rise in the cost of the carob crop, which forced manufacturers to stop relying on labor in order to cut the cost of production. Furthermore, it is to be noted that work in the carob presses have moved to night work shifts as it allows local inhabitants to attend to their regular work. This shift has come about as a result of the transformation of carob production from a main to a secondary industry. Moreover, and according to Al Mustaqbal, Qosaybeh village deserved its name as the capital of the carob molasses in the South Mount Lebanon area because it still follows the traditional methods of production. Citing the early beginnings of this industry, the newspaper traced it back to Khalil Mitri No3aymeh from Qosaybeh in the forties of the last century to peak during the seventies with tens of presses flourishing in the area. Now, however, the paper added, there are only 6 remaining presses struggling to survive, with an annual rate of production standing between 5 to 30 tons. No3aymeh also pointed out that local production of carobs is now meeting local demands after the revival of the industry thus pointing an end to imports from Cyprus. No3aymeh concluded by saying that the carob tree does not need much care, fertilizers, irrigation or pruning, remains green throughout the year and hence can be considered as a true friend of the environment in addition to being economically viable. (Al Mustaqbal, December 17, 2015)