Beirut: Minister of Agriculture Nizar Hani toured the Bsharri district at the invitation of the district’s Union of Municipalities, in cooperation with the Agricultural Research Service in the North and the Bsharri Agricultural Center. He visited the Holy Valley accompanied by the ministry’s general directors and heads of departments and divisions. He began his tour in the morning with a meeting held at the Union’s headquarters in Dimane with the mayors, during which Union Head Elie Makhlouf delivered a speech welcoming the Minister and his companions, conveying MP Strida Geagea’s greetings and welcoming of the visit, which is the first by an Agriculture Minister to the region, emphasizing the importance of the agricultural sector in the lives of the people of Bsharri District.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Minister Hani expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality, stating that he was present with the three general directors of the ministry, the Agricultural Research Service, and regional services. He assured that all capabilities and resources are at the disposal of the municipalities and farmers in the Bsharri district. The Minister emphasized the ministry’s goal to support farmers in all their needs and challenges and to collaborate on developing a better agricultural sector.
Minister Hani highlighted the crucial role of farmers in Lebanon’s sovereignty, emphasizing food sovereignty as a cornerstone of national sovereignty. He acknowledged the farmer as the true guardian of the land, nature, and heritage. The district of Bsharri, noted for its natural and cultural heritage, was encouraged to focus on agricultural tourism alongside tourism to revive ancient agricultural practices and confront climate change challenges.
He further elaborated that agriculture is now part of an integrated food system that includes agriculture, industry, trade, and marketing. The ministry aims to strengthen agricultural cooperatives to reduce production costs and improve product marketing. Contract farming is being developed to ensure predetermined production destinations, providing farmers with peace of mind.
Following a Mass service presided over by the Maronite Patriarch, an expanded meeting was held with farmers and agricultural workers at the old Patriarchal See. Minister Hani listened to complaints and demands, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to improving the agricultural situation, marketing local produce, and securing agricultural pesticides while rationalizing their use.