Syria Intensifies Efforts to Revive Agriculture and Ensure Food Supply

The Syrian government is undertaking a wide-ranging initiative to strengthen its agricultural sector and secure the country's food supply. Multiple ministries and international partners are collaborating on projects aimed at boosting the production of essential crops and livestock.

A central focus is on increasing wheat production, a staple of the national diet. The Ministry of Agriculture has announced it will provide interest-free loans to wheat farmers to ease their financial burdens and incentivize cultivation [15505]. This comes as Syria imports over 134,000 tons of wheat to bolster its strategic reserves following a poor domestic harvest [7149]. “This import aims to strengthen the country's strategic wheat reserves,” officials stated, confirming the wheat will be used to produce subsidized flour for the population [7149].

To support crop yields, a major shipment of 3,800 tons of urea fertilizer has arrived at the Port of Lattakia. Port authorities are prioritizing its rapid unloading and distribution to the domestic market to meet agricultural demand [8427].

Simultaneously, the government is seeking to strengthen the livestock sector. Agriculture Minister Dr. Amjad Badr has met with foreign investors, including a Brazilian firm, to discuss partnerships for importing beef and building new cattle farms. Officials believe these steps will help curb smuggling and stabilize the domestic meat supply [6704].

These domestic efforts are being reinforced by international cooperation. Syria is actively deepening its agricultural ties with Russia, with officials from both countries holding talks to update agreements and collaborate on training programs and increasing Syrian farm exports [13676][6128]. Furthermore, the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD) has partnered with the Aga Khan Foundation to share scientific expertise and provide Syrian farmers with modern technologies and improved seeds [5456].

The combined actions on loans, imports, fertilizers, and international partnerships signal a coordinated push to revive a critical sector of Syria's economy and address fundamental food security needs.