Farmers in Daraa, southern Syria, have commenced the harvest of pomegranates this October. Despite the challenges posed by drought and fluctuating weather conditions, which have led to cracking in some pomegranate crops, the production outlook remains optimistic. The phenomenon of cracking, attributed to the variance in day and night temperatures and irregular irrigation, has impacted the yield, with some farmers reporting significant losses. For instance, a local farmer noted that three tons of his estimated 35-ton harvest suffered from cracking, marking an increase in damaged produce compared to the previous year.
Addressing this issue, agricultural experts suggest several mitigation strategies. These include the application of potassium nitrate at the season's onset and the use of calcium, either sprayed on the crop or added to the soil, to fortify the fruit's skin. Proper irrigation practices are also emphasized, with a recommendation for saturated watering every 15 days to prevent cracking.
Amid these challenges, the cooling storage of pomegranates has gained popularity among farmers and traders. This method involves careful selection and storage of undamaged fruits in cooling units, a practice that not only preserves the quality of the produce but also allows for extended market availability, including potential for winter exports. The prevalent variety stored is the French type, known for its suitability for cooling. Despite the lower market price for cracked pomegranates, which does not cover the costs of harvest and transportation, the region's pomegranate production has seen a growth, with the Daraa Agriculture Directorate estimating a production of 26,574 tons for the current season.
The significance of pomegranate cultivation in Daraa is underscored by the dedicated cultivation area of 1,021 hectares, hosting approximately 600,000 trees. This places pomegranates among the key irrigated crops in the governorate, necessitating specialized care to optimize production and mitigate the impact of environmental challenges.
Source: Enabbaladi