Syria’s wheat crisis deepens amid worst drought in 60 years
Over 16 million face food insecurity in Syria as rival authorities compete for dwindling harvests, FAO warns
DAMASCUS, Syria (MNTV) — Syria is grappling with its most severe drought in six decades, compounding the aftermath of a prolonged war and placing over 16 million people at risk of food insecurity, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
“A very significant drop in water levels has been observed,” said Haya Abu Assaf, assistant to the FAO representative in Syria, citing a short and insufficient winter rainy season as a key factor.
The FAO estimates Syria will face a wheat production gap of 2.5 to 2.7 million tonnes this year, with up to 75 percent of cultivated farmland and natural pastures for livestock affected, according to Al Monitor.
Once self-sufficient in wheat, the country used to produce 4.1 million tonnes annually before the conflict erupted in 2011.
With around 90 percent of the population now living in poverty, Syria is increasingly dependent on imports.
Following the removal of Bashar al-Assad from power in December, authorities reported the arrival of wheat shipments from Russia, with more expected. Iraq has also donated more than 220,000 tonnes.
Competition between Damascus and the Kurdish-led administration in the northeast over wheat procurement remains strong.
In March, both sides agreed to integrate Kurdish institutions into the new Syrian state, but implementation is ongoing.
Damascus recently set its purchase price between $290 and $320 per tonne with a $130 bonus, while the Kurdish-led administration is offering $420 per tonne, including a $70 bonus.
The agriculture ministry expects only 300,000 to 350,000 tonnes of wheat to be harvested this year in government-controlled areas.
In Amuda, farmer Jamshid Hassu reported a 50 percent drop in output on his 200 hectares of land, despite deep groundwater pumping.
“Without support, we cannot continue,” Hassu said. “People will suffer from poverty and hunger.”
The FAO warns that about 95 percent of rain-fed wheat has been damaged and irrigated yields are down 30 to 40 percent, underscoring the urgent need for agricultural support and climate resilience.
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