Syrian agriculture officials have presented varying estimates regarding the current citrus season's yield, amidst growers' apprehensions about potential marketing difficulties. Bassam Douba, the Director of Agriculture in Latakia, projected the area's output at 840,000 tons, as reported by Al-Watan newspaper. Contrarily, Ahmad Hilal al-Khalaf, head of the General Union of Farmers' marketing office, placed the national production figure at approximately 650,000 tons, marking a decrease from the previous season's 850,000 tons. Al-Khalaf cited adverse weather conditions as a contributing factor to the decline.
Haider Shaheen, Director of the Citrus Office at the Ministry of Agriculture, offered a different perspective, estimating Syria's citrus production at 688,614 tons, primarily concentrated in the Latakia and Tartus governorates. Shaheen attributed the 18% reduction from the prior season to a combination of weather challenges and the phenomenon of alternate bearing, which affects production cycles.
The citrus industry is a significant source of livelihood in Latakia, supporting 44,767 families, according to Imran Ibrahim from the Latakia Agriculture Directorate. However, concerns over inadequate marketing strategies loom large. Farmers are urging the government to facilitate early export opportunities to prevent crop decay and financial losses, a recurring issue exacerbated by the absence of governmental juicing facilities.
Despite annual assurances from the government to address these challenges, effective solutions remain elusive, compelling some farmers to repurpose their land. The rising costs of agricultural inputs further strain the viability of citrus farming in the region.
Leasing arrangements between farmers and traders, where crops are pre-purchased based on estimated yields, offer some respite, yet the challenges of marketing and cost management persist, as detailed in a report by Enab Baladi in October 2023.
Source: Enab Baladi