Lebanese Agriculture Minister: Israeli aggression damaged about 560,000 dunams of agricultural land

Lebanese Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani said the Israeli war damaged about 560,000 dunams of agricultural land, including 750 hectares of olive groves that went out of service. He expects production of 200,000 tons of olives this season, with 70% directed to olive oil production.

Lebanese Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani said the Israeli war damaged about 560,000 dunams (56,000 hectares) of agricultural land in Lebanon, including about 750 hectares of olive groves that went out of service. Hani explained in an interview with Xinhua that about 52,000 hectares of the damaged land are in the southern and Nabatieh governorates, and about 4,000 hectares in the Baalbek-Hermel area. He noted that the area planted with olives is about 62,000 hectares, roughly 20-22% of the total agricultural area, a third of which is concentrated in southern Lebanon. He added that the damage included the use of phosphorus and glyphosate and bulldozing operations. Despite this, Hani expects Lebanon's olive production to reach about 200,000 tons this season, with 30% of the crop allocated for table olives and 70% for olive oil production, expecting about 30,000 tons of oil. He confirmed that the local market absorbs most of the production, with opportunities to export 8,000-10,000 tons. He noted that Lebanon plans to run for the presidency of the International Olive Council in 2027.