Afrin farmers appeal for support amid declining watermelon production
The village of Jalama, near Afrin, experienced a subpar watermelon crop due to the lack of support from local authorities, despite heavy rains.
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Farmers in Afrin, western Kurdistan (Northern Syria), are urgently calling for help and support from local authorities, citing a significant decline in watermelon production this year.
The village of Jalama, near Afrin, experienced a subpar watermelon crop due to the lack of support from local authorities, despite heavy rains.
“We had heavy rains this year, but the local authorities did not provide us with any assistance or support, which led to a decrease in our watermelon production compared to last year,” Mustafa Hamo, a farmer from Jamla, told Kurdistan 24.
Farmers in the Afrin region are also struggling to obtain necessary pesticides, calling on organizations and local authorities to support the agricultural sector.
“This year was rainy and the insects affected our crops greatly, which forced us to buy medicines and pesticides to protect our crops. No one is helping us. We ask the local authorities to help us and provide us with support, because we have suffered a lot this year,” Jutiar Abdo explained.
Afrin, traditionally a hub for various agricultural crops, has seen a significant drop in production and support since its occupation.
Read More: Afrin farmers struggle amid war, Turkish-backed militia occupation
Farmers, who once exported their produce to other Syrian cities, now face numerous obstacles from occupying armed groups, including extortion and ongoing taxes. These challenges have forced many farmers to abandon agriculture altogether.