The Directorate of Agriculture in Latakia governorate has released preliminary estimates for the current citrus season, projecting production at approximately 540,000 tons. Bassam Douba, Latakia's Director of Agriculture, disclosed to Tishreen newspaper that the citrus cultivation area spans about 30,000 hectares, comprising around ten million trees. Douba highlighted the year-round productivity of citrus species, facilitated by early, medium, and late harvest periods, and acknowledged enhancements in export processes through dedicated sorting and packaging centres.
Omran Ibrahim, Head of the Fruit Trees Department, emphasized the involvement of roughly 40,000 families in the citrus sector within the governorate. Notably, Latakia contributes to 75% of Syria's citrus output. However, challenges persist with product accumulation and marketing inefficiencies leading to spoilage and financial losses for producers, exacerbated by the absence of government-operated juicing facilities.
Despite repeated governmental assurances, tangible solutions remain elusive, compelling some farmers to repurpose their land. The escalating costs of fertilizers and agricultural inputs further strain profitability, as reported by Enab Baladi. Additionally, leasing arrangements between farmers and traders, involving upfront payments for anticipated yields or specific crop types, exemplify the adaptive strategies within the citrus farming community in coastal Syria.
Source: english.enabbaladi.net