Baabda:President Joseph Aoun highlighted the urgent need to prioritize areas affected by the war, particularly in the South of Lebanon, and to support farmers who have suffered damage to their lands or restricted access to their fields.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, President Aoun emphasized the importance of integrating technology, innovation, and modern science into Lebanon's agricultural practices to boost productivity, enhance resource efficiency, and ensure food security. He advocated for transforming identified needs into actionable projects that can secure funding and implementation, aiding in the agricultural sector's development.
The discussions took place during a meeting at Baabda Palace with Beth Bechdol, the FAO Deputy Director-General, along with Lebanon's Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Nizar Hani. They focused on the challenges facing Lebanon's agriculture, particularly due to the war's impact on lands and farmers, as well as broader issues like climate change and global supply chain disruptions.
Beth Bechdol reaffirmed the FAO's commitment to supporting Lebanon and collaborating with its Ministry of Agriculture. She detailed various programs and projects aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector and food security in Lebanon, including initiatives related to irrigation, water management, and agricultural inputs. FAO's involvement in clearing mines and explosive remnants from agricultural lands was also discussed, enabling farmers to safely return to their fields.
Minister Hani presented the National Agriculture Strategy and the ministry's vision for the sector's development over the next decade. He highlighted ongoing efforts to formulate an agricultural investment strategy that aligns with sectoral needs, enhancing Lebanese agricultural products' market access.
The discussions also covered the war's impact on 22.5 percent of Lebanon's agricultural land, damage assessments conducted with the National Council for Scientific Research, and efforts to support affected farmers in restoring their activities and production.