Ministerial Meeting at the Presidency Discusses Support for Agriculture in Facing Drought and Proposes Interest-Free Loans for Farmers

The General Secretariat of the Syrian Presidency held a broad ministerial meeting on Saturday to discuss the Ministry of Agriculture's plans for the winter season and ways to support farmers in light of the increasing challenges faced by the agricultural sector due to the ongoing drought.

Agriculture Minister Amjad Badr reviewed the reality of the sector, pointing out the difficulties in providing fuels, fertilizers, and pesticides, which directly affect agricultural production.

He also proposed providing interest-free loans for farmers, with the ministry to prepare a detailed study to determine the targeted groups.

For his part, the Secretary-General of the Presidency, Ali Kida, called for the preparation of a comprehensive national strategic plan that allows for the coordination of efforts among the relevant ministries to ensure an effective and sustainable response to the agricultural crisis.

Finance Minister Mohammad Barniya confirmed his ministry's readiness to allocate the necessary funding as soon as the study is received, while Energy Minister Mohammad Al-Bashir emphasized the ministry's readiness to provide the necessary energy sources to support agricultural production.

An agreement was reached to hold a follow-up session next week to review the implementation of the recommendations and ensure the commitment of the relevant ministries to the agreed-upon steps.