Caretaker Minister of Agriculture Abbas Hajj Hassan highlighted the extensive damage to Lebanon's agricultural sector, estimated at around 70%, based on an aerial study conducted in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to assess the losses.
He emphasized that Israeli bombardments have caused significant destruction, noting that it is still impossible to accurately quantify the losses as attacks continue to impact hundreds of villages, from Baalbeck-Hermel to the south of the country.
In an interview with Voice of All Lebanon on Friday, Hajj Hassan stated that the ministry had compiled a preliminary inventory of destroyed crops. However, he stressed the need for a ceasefire to gather precise data.
He also explained that the ministry, in collaboration with the FAO, launched a satellite study to map areas affected by white phosphorus, cluster bombs and fires, enabling a clearer understanding of the extent of the losses.
The minister mentioned a partnership with the FAO and other organizations to develop a specific compensation mechanism for farmers, calling it a "top priority for the ministry." He assured that compensation would be distributed fairly and transparently.
In reference to trade, Hajj Hassan observed that despite the significant displacement resulting from bombings and the targeting of land crossings, which disrupted operations, exports and imports persist, albeit at a slower rate than normal.
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