Lebanese Agriculture Minister Deploys Drones to Combat Pine Pest in Baabda

Lebanese Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani conducted a field visit to Baabda as part of the ministry’s on-the-ground monitoring of forest resource protection programs and agricultural production development initiatives. There, he observed operations carried out by technical teams from the Ministry of Agriculture, who have begun aerial pesticide application on fruit-bearing pine trees using unmanned aerial vehicles—supported by two specialized experts from the People’s Republic of China.

Integrated Pest Control Strategy

According to a ministry statement, these operations form a core component of the Ministry of Agriculture’s comprehensive plan to combat pests threatening pine trees, curb their spread, and safeguard productive forests. The initiative aims to strengthen Lebanese pine production while supporting farmers and rural communities for whom this sector constitutes a primary economic resource.

Technical Oversight and Operational Standards

Hani received a technical briefing on the implementation methodology for the spraying operations, including adherence to technical guidelines, safety protocols, and efficacy standards. He underscored the strategic value of integrating modern technologies into agricultural and forestry surveillance and pest control—particularly in rugged or expansive terrain where conventional methods face logistical constraints.

Advantages of Drone-Based Application

He noted that drone deployment enables high-speed, high-precision pest control interventions, improves distribution uniformity of pesticide materials, optimizes quantities used, reduces operational time, labor, and costs, and enhances the technical teams’ capacity for rapid response to pest outbreaks.

Agricultural, Economic, and Social Dimensions

Hani affirmed that protecting fruit-bearing pine trees “is not merely an environmental issue, but also an agricultural, economic, and social one, given the sector’s role as a vital income source for numerous Lebanese families.” He stressed that the ministry remains committed to upgrading its technical tools and adopting innovation and technology to serve farmers and protect natural resources.

Recognition of Institutional Collaboration

The minister commended the extensive efforts of the ministry’s operational staff and field technical teams in executing this mission. He extended official thanks to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Lebanon for financing the acquisition of the drones and for its sustained support to Lebanon’s agricultural sector—including capacity-building programs and technical knowledge transfer.

Strengthening Bilateral Agricultural Cooperation

This intervention advances the broader framework of Lebanese–Chinese agricultural cooperation and strengthens the Ministry of Agriculture’s ability to respond to challenges confronting agricultural output and forest resources. It reinforces a modern, sustainable approach to prevention, pest control, and the protection of productive ecosystems.