Hani began his tour by visiting the Agriculture Department in Nabatieh, where he stressed the importance of strengthening the capabilities of agricultural centers to be the first supporter of farmers during the recovery phase, before he met in the Shaqif-Nabatieh Municipalities Union with mayors and local activities, where priorities for rehabilitating agricultural infrastructure and supporting farmers were discussed.
Hani stressed that what struck the south targeted people, land and food security, considering that the reconstruction of agriculture represents a national priority. He revealed that estimates indicate that more than 22.5% of Lebanese agricultural lands, meaning about 56 thousand hectares, were damaged, including 52 thousand hectares in the South and Nabatieh governorates, while agricultural losses exceeded one billion US dollars.
He pointed out that the Ministry has moved from the stage of assessing the damage to implementing recovery programs, announcing the launch of projects to rehabilitate 1,500 greenhouses and 50 agricultural wells equipped with solar energy, in addition to completing monitoring operations of soil, water, and plants to follow up on any potential pollution.
In Tyre, the Minister discussed with representatives of municipalities, representatives, farmers’ and fishermen’s unions the reality of the agricultural and fisheries sectors, stressing the preparation of specialized support programs to restore economic activity and protect the livelihoods of those working in them.
The tour also included the towns of Jibshit, Wadi Gilo, and Majdal Salam, where he reviewed the conditions of agricultural nurseries, cow breeders, beekeepers, and damaged agricultural facilities, stressing the continued implementation of the recovery plan in cooperation with municipalities and international organizations, and stressing that the Ministry of Agriculture will continue to support farmers to rebuild the agricultural sector and strengthen the steadfastness of the people of the south.
