In the fertile and difficult landscape of northwestern Syria, vegetable farmers face many obstacles, the most important of which is the lack of preventive measures to control pests and insects. These pests threaten crop quality and disrupt sales in local markets. As these challenges escalate, WATAN’s teams of specialized agricultural engineers, through the Sustainable Development Project supported by the European Union and in cooperation with the Acadia Association, continue their efforts to support these farmers with periodic field visits to guide how to combat pests and insects, in addition to advice to improve the quality of production.
June 2024 saw these specialized teams visit fields planted with a variety of crops, including watermelon, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. The distribution was as follows: 34.31% tomatoes, 27.01% eggplant, 25.55% pepper, and 13.14% watermelon. These visits aim to assess the health status of the fields and identify pathogens that could harm productivity and quality, and thus affect farmers’ profits.
Farmers received comprehensive guidance on avoiding insect infestations and dealing with fungal and physiological diseases. Advice was also provided on optimal fertilization practices, considering the specific needs of each crop at different growth stages. Emphasis was placed on adopting modern agricultural methods and avoiding practices that may negatively affect production.
The tangible results of these efforts are visible in the actions taken by farmers. They have started using recommended chemical pesticides in appropriate concentrations to effectively control insects. These measures aim to prevent the infection from getting worse and ensure the continuity of agricultural production.
In addition, farmers whose fields have been exposed to fungal infections have begun treating their fields with innovative ways to deal with these diseases, using recommended fungicides. These steps seek to reduce the effects of fungal diseases and ensure the health and effectiveness of agricultural production.
While these strides in agricultural productivity are promising, the journey toward sustainability requires ongoing support and resources. The joint efforts of WATAN and the Acadia Association have made significant progress, but much remains to be done. Continuing support is necessary to provide farmers with the necessary preventive methods and instructions to combat agricultural pests and diseases.
Therefore, we call on global donors to increase their support for sustainable development projects in these affected areas. This support is essential to ensure a brighter future for farmers and communities that depend on agriculture as their main source of livelihood. As Masanobu Fukuoka said: “The ultimate goal of agriculture is not to grow crops, but to cultivate and improve human beings.” Your investments are vital to promoting sustainable growth and prosperity for all.
Through this support, we can be more effective in addressing agricultural challenges and improving the future of farmers and their families. Every contribution helps us plant seeds of hope and resilience in the heart of Syria’s agricultural community. Let us work together to cultivate a future in which farmers thrive, and their fields thrive, ensuring food security, stability, and economic independence for generations to come.