Lebanese Agriculture Minister Meets in Maarab to Support Farmers and Develop Sector

In Maarab, MP Strida Geagea received Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani, accompanied by his office director Samer Khound, for a meeting attended by former MP Joseph Ishak, Elie Makhlouf, head of the Bashri District Municipalities Union, and the mayors of the district: Joe Keroz (Bashri), Carlos Ishak (Hadshit), Gerard Al-Samaani (Hasroun), Rami Bou Fraa (Bzaoun), Rashid Maroun (Bqarqasha), Simon Abd al-Masih (Hadath al-Jibbeh), Antoine Saadeh (Qanat), Nabil Bou Nassr (Abdeen), Robert Maqsoud (Tourza), and Rabee Dib (Barahlioun). Also present were Charbel Makhlouf, secretary of the Lebanese Forces party in Bashri, and Rene Najjar, head of the party’s center in the district.

The discussions focused on agricultural issues pertinent to the district, particularly the upcoming apple season. They explored mechanisms for marketing the produce and opening new external markets, especially in several Arab countries including Egypt and Iraq. This follows positive indicators forecasting a promising season with an expected production of about one million boxes of apples. The meeting emphasized the vital importance of the agricultural sector for the local population, who rely on agriculture alongside tourism as a primary source of livelihood and economic stability, necessitating adequate support for farmers and optimal conditions for marketing their products.

Geagea stressed the Lebanese state's need to support farmers, especially in mountainous areas where agriculture is a fundamental pillar for resilience and maintaining presence on the land. She underscored the importance of intensifying cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture, municipalities, and relevant entities to open new markets for Lebanese agricultural products and enhance export opportunities.

Minister Hani affirmed the ministry’s commitment to closely follow this matter and coordinate with various concerned parties to support farmers and facilitate the marketing of their produce, contributing to the development and sustainability of the agricultural sector.

At the conclusion of the meeting, attendees emphasized the necessity of continuing coordination and follow-up in the upcoming period, and taking practical steps to support Lebanese farmers, strengthen their resilience, and maintain their attachment to their land, thereby preserving the agricultural sector as a fundamental pillar of the local economy in the Bashri district.