In the agricultural landscape of Idlib, Syria, a shift is observed as farmers like Rami Soulaq and Walid Hamdan explore the cultivation of non-traditional crops. Soulaq, who initiated strawberry farming in Bidama, leveraged his displacement experience in Turkey to introduce this novel crop to the region. Similarly, Hamdan aims to expand his broccoli cultivation in Binnish, highlighting the economic benefits of diversifying crop production. These initiatives reflect a broader trend in Idlib, where displaced individuals have introduced various crops such as Damask roses, turmeric, saffron, and more, contributing to agricultural diversity.
Despite challenges, including market acceptance and the need for adaptation to local conditions, these efforts underscore a resilience among Idlib's farming community. The introduction of new agricultural techniques, alongside crops, further illustrates the dynamic response to the constraints posed by war and displacement. Agronomists like Musa al-Bakr and entities such as the Salvation Government's Directorate of Agriculture in Idlib acknowledge the potential of these crops, although their impact on the region's agricultural landscape remains to be fully assessed.
As Idlib's farmers navigate the complexities of introducing unfamiliar crops, their experiences offer insights into the potential for agricultural innovation in conflict-affected areas. The success of crops like broccoli not only provides economic opportunities, but also enriches the agricultural heritage of the region.
Source: syriadirect.org
