Homs-Sana
Peanut harvesting workshops, or what is known locally as Al-Obeid pistachio, are spread in the Tal Kalakh area in the western Homs countryside, as it is an intensifying and basic summer crop and a source of income for farmers.
Dr. Siham Ayoub, who is in charge of running the work of the Homs Agriculture Directorate, said in a statement to SANA reporter that the area planted with groundnuts in Tal Kalakh this year has reached 4,080 dunums, and the expected production is about 1,016 tons.
The necessity of providing fuel for agricultural tractors during the harvest period is the most important thing emphasized by a number of farmers in similar statements as it constitutes a great burden on them in addition to securing fertilizers at acceptable prices.
The farmer, Ali Al-Sulaiman, indicated that the general condition of the crop this year is acceptable, but its prices are not suitable for the costs needed by the crop during the season, especially with the high prices of fertilizers and labor and the lack of fuel.
Pistachios are a main source of income for farmers and create seasonal job opportunities, in addition to using the green veins as a source of fodder for livestock, according to farmer Mohamed Techouri, indicating that the crop needs about 120 days from cultivation until the harvest stage, and its prices currently range between 3000 and 3500 pounds, depending on the quality, and it is marketed through traders who go around Villages either to store it or to transfer it to other provinces.
Ahmed Nassar
