Beirut:The Ministry of Agriculture, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has launched a significant cash assistance program aimed at aiding 465 vulnerable dairy livestock farmers in South Lebanon and Nabatieh. This initiative is backed by funding totaling approximately $140,000, specifically targeting those affected by regional hostilities.

According to National news agency - Lebanon, the program will provide each beneficiary with $300 in unconditional cash assistance. This financial support is intended to cover critical expenditures such as animal feed, veterinary care, and other necessary inputs to sustain livestock production.

The initiative is designed for small-scale Lebanese dairy farmers who have been directly impacted by the ongoing conflict, amidst broader challenges confronting a sector that sustains over 13,000 farms across the nation. Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani highlighted the importance of livestock production in ensuring national food security and preserving rural livelihoods, emphasizing the ministry's dedication to collaborating with international partners to enhance veterinary services and bolster the agricultural sector's resilience.

Minister Hani also expressed gratitude to the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL for their role in relocating farms and livestock to safer locations. FAO Representative in Lebanon Veronica Quattrola noted the assistance is crucial for addressing farmers' immediate needs, protecting their livestock, and maintaining the supply of essential dairy products to local markets. This effort is part of the ongoing collaboration between the Agriculture Ministry and FAO to mitigate conflict effects and strengthen Lebanon's agricultural and food systems.