Nabatieh: Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani toured the Nabatieh and South Governorates as part of his ministry's "Pulse of Earth and Life" initiative, aimed at revitalizing southern agriculture and supporting farmers affected by Israeli attacks. He inspected damage to farmland and agricultural infrastructure, met with local authorities and farmers, and stressed that the ministry is implementing a comprehensive recovery plan to restore production and strengthen rural communities.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, during meetings with agricultural officials and municipal representatives, Hani highlighted the importance of rebuilding agricultural infrastructure, supporting farmers, and strengthening cooperation between the ministry and local authorities. He said the attacks had targeted not only property but also people, land, and Lebanon's food security. "Rebuilding agriculture is not just a sectoral project, but a national project to protect rural society and enhance the resilience of Lebanese people on their land," the minister asserted.
"Every tree burned, every field damaged, and every greenhouse destroyed represents a national loss that transcends its economic value, because it affects food security, the dignity of the farmer, and the stability of rural communities. Therefore, reviving the agricultural sector is a national priority, and the Ministry of Agriculture will remain by the farmers' side until the full productive capacity of Lebanese land is restored," the minister pledged.
Hani noted that assessments conducted with the National Council for Scientific Research and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) showed that more than 22.5% of Lebanon's agricultural land (around 56,000 hectares) have been affected, with damages and losses exceeding $1 billion. He said the ministry had moved from damage assessment to recovery programs focused on returning farmers to their fields and restoring production capacity.
Minister Hani announced the launch of field projects, including the rehabilitation of 1,500 greenhouses in the South and Nabatieh, and the restoration of 50 agricultural wells equipped with solar power systems and modern pumps. He also said new soil, water, and plant testing would be conducted to monitor potential contamination, following previous findings of elevated glyphosate levels in some border areas.
During his tour, Hani met with representatives of the agricultural and fishing sectors in Tyre, visited plant nurseries in Jibchit, dairy farmers and beekeepers in Wadi Jeilo, and inspected damaged agricultural facilities in Majdel-Selm. He pledged that his ministry would continue working with municipalities, international organizations, and partners to rebuild the agricultural sector and restore livelihoods in southern Lebanon.
"The South will remain a symbol of resilience and productivity, and the Ministry of Agriculture will continue to stand by farmers in every village and town, because rebuilding agriculture is the true gateway to rebuilding people, land, and life in Lebanon," Hani reaffirmed.