Apple growers complain and grieve a losing season

In a special feature on apple growing, As Safir daily reported a 30% decline in this agriculture, chiefly caused by climate change and the export crisis. One farmer, Yousef Bjifi from Mashgara, West Bekaa, told the newspaper that the size of production in his town has dropped to 20 thousand boxes against an anticipated 60 thousand boxes, attributing this to damaged buds due to extreme weather conditions. He also noted that the domestic market cannot accommodate the large quantities of locally produced apples with the disruption of the export activity. Meanwhile, As Safir went on to say, that the apple seasons in Batroun and Tanourine in the north barely made 50-70% of the annual production and hence did not reach the expected proceeds farmers rely on for living. On this subject, the President of the Farmers’ Association of Tanourine, Chlita Tarabey, appealed to the authorities to “help farmers rescue what they can to remain steadfast in their lands.” On the other hand, Ehden farmers said the season was acceptable but falls behind last year’s production. (As Safir, October 29, November 3 and 6, 2015)