Cumin Farmers in Syria Face Devastating Losses from Crop Damage and Price Drops

Cumin farmers in the Ras al-Ain area of northwest al-Hasakah, Syria are grappling with substantial financial losses due to widespread crop damage from diseases and late rainfall. Estimated losses exceed $3,000 to $5,000 per farmer, compounded by a fourfold decrease in cumin prices compared to last year.

Why this matters: The devastating losses faced by cumin farmers in Syria have significant implications for the country's agricultural sector and food security. If left unaddressed, this crisis could lead to widespread poverty and instability in the region, affecting not only the farmers but also the broader population.

Local farmers shared their experiences with the crisis. Firas al-Sawah from Tal Arqam village reported losses exceeding $3,000, with about 60% of his cumin crop damaged. Hassan al-Banna from Green Khirbet village described the situation as "tragic," facing losses of over $5,000 in addition to $4,500 in debts. Sultan Mahmoud from al-Duwaira village lost around $2,600, with damage to more than 75% of his land.

The crop damage is attributed to diseases like wilt and fungal infections that affected the roots, leading to plant death. Late and heavy rainfall also caused climate fluctuations and rising temperatures. Cumin prices per kilogram plummeted from $10 to $2 due to increased planted areas in the region, further impacting farmers.

The crisis has severe implications for the region, as agriculture and livestock breeding serve as the primary occupations and income sources for most residents in Ras al-Ain and the northern and northeastern regions of Syria. Farmers have been forced to sell assets like motorcycles and solar power systems to pay laborers. The damage rate reached over 65% of the total cultivated area of about 60,000 dunams this year.

Cumin farmers are urgently calling on the Syrian Interim Government to provide support, including guidance on pesticide use and better marketing to protect them from losses and exploitation. The widespread crop failures and plummeting prices have left many farmers in a precarious financial situation, threatening their livelihoods and the region's agricultural sector.

Key Takeaways

• Cumin farmers in Syria's Ras al-Ain area face $3,000-$5,000 losses due to crop damage.
• Crop damage caused by diseases and late rainfall, affecting 65% of cultivated area.
• Cumin prices plummeted from $10 to $2 per kilogram due to increased supply.
• Farmers forced to sell assets to pay laborers, threatening their livelihoods.
• Farmers urge Syrian Interim Government for support, guidance, and better marketing.