Pomegranate cultivation in the town of Darqush in western Idlib countryside faces growing challenges as the harvesting season begins, with farmers suffering from rising production costs, declining selling prices, and difficulty marketing the crop, amid limited internal markets and the absence of export outlets.
The pomegranate harvesting season in Darqush began in the second half of September last year for early varieties, amid expectations of a good yield. Mohammed Dada, an agricultural observer at the Darqush Agricultural Extension Office, explained that more than 70 percent of farmers in the area rely on pomegranate cultivation, while prices do not adequately cover production costs.
Dada noted that the cost of producing one kilogram amounts to approximately 50 Syrian pounds, necessitating support that includes providing fertilizers and agricultural pesticides at subsidized prices. The office is also conducting field visits to provide guidance on proper harvesting methods and packaging, and to raise awareness among farmers about combating agricultural pests such as aphids and fungal infections.
For his part, farmer Naima Adib Naima from the town stated that Darqush is known for five main pomegranate varieties: Nab al-Jamal, Al-Asfouri, Al-Halw, Al-Laban, and Al-Faransi. He noted that harvesting of early varieties begins in mid-September and continues until early October. He pointed out that the absence of exports and difficulty accessing external markets negatively impact sales, while internal markets are insufficient to absorb the production.
Pomegranate trader Samer Bakrou confirmed that the abundance of the crop does not positively reflect on prices due to the limited availability of markets. He highlighted that rising transportation costs, especially fuel prices, further complicate the distribution of produce to Damascus and other governorates, with vehicle rental costs reaching approximately 130 dollars. Bakrou called for opening external export channels to market surplus, enhance competition, and improve prices.
In a related context, farmer Mohammed Sharif from Darqush explained that pomegranate cultivation is deeply rooted in the town and linked to the region's identity. He noted that some varieties are used to make pomegranate molasses or convert them into syrup. He pointed out that rising prices of agricultural pesticides, labor wages, packaging, and transportation double the burdens on farmers, adding that a tree can continue to yield good production for about 25 years.
Pomegranate cultivation in Darqush constitutes an economic and social pillar for the residents of the area. According to the Darqush Agricultural Extension Office, the cultivated area exceeds 250 hectares, with more than 70 percent of farmers in the town relying on this crop.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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