Warning for an Upcoming Catastrophe

“Lebanon Debate”

Ibrahim Tarshishi, head of the Bekaa Farmers Association, expressed concerns about the upcoming wheat season. He fears a decline in production and its transformation into fodder for the government. He criticized it for importing cheaper wheat from abroad and selling it subsidized to mills.

In his interview with Lebanon Debate Tarshishi lamented the marketing challenges faced by wheat farmers as the government prohibits the sale and export of locally produced wheat. He noted that Lebanese mills do not use local wheat as they prefer cheaper imported wheat.

He emphasized that the inability to export during the wheat season is a severe setback, posing a significant threat that could potentially lead to its demise if not addressed. He highlighted Lebanon's capacity to achieve self-sufficiency, particularly with its surplus wheat production.

Regarding the Ministry of Agriculture's campaign encouraging local wheat consumption, Tarshishi criticized the decision to restrict sales and exports, hindering farmers' ability to sell their crops domestically or abroad. He suggested that agreements between pasta factories and wheat farmers could benefit both parties, ensuring local consumption and stable prices.

Tarshishi highlighted several issues wheat farmers are facing. One of them is the absence of a clear mechanism and pricing strategy from the government for purchasing wheat. The other being restrictions on wheat exports without licenses from the Ministry of Economy and mills' preference for subsidized imported wheat priced at 1,500 Lebanese pounds.

He urged authorities to reform the wheat purchasing mechanism to encourage farmers to sell their produce and compel mills to procure local wheat, given Lebanon's robust production capabilities.

Tarshishi mourns the current state of the agricultural sector. He emphasized that farmers' rights are being disregarded and the sector is under siege. He laments that the only option left for farmers is to sell their wheat production as animal feed.

Last but not least, Tarshishi addressed wheat smuggling concerns. “Farmers prioritize selling their crops regardless of destination, given their financial needs. We are against any smuggling activities, but we lack the resources needed to combat smuggling effectively.”


!"قطاع محاصر"... وتحذير من "كارثة مقبلة"