Shortage of supplies and rising prices reduce autumn farming in Khan Younis

The Agricultural Extension Department in Khan Younis reports that the shortage of agricultural supplies and their rising prices have halved the cultivated areas for the autumn season, forcing farmers to shift to lower-cost crops.

The Agricultural Extension and Farmers Services Department in Khan Younis Governorate, southern Gaza Strip, reported that the severe shortage of agricultural supplies and their rising prices, which have exceeded the price ceiling, have delayed the planting of main autumn crops and reduced cultivated areas. The department explained that farmers were forced to halve the cultivated areas and turn to short-cycle, lower-cost crops such as mallow and leafy vegetables. Some farmers resorted to leasing their land to displaced farmers to generate income, while central nurseries incurred losses due to declining demand and the destruction of seedlings. The department predicted the season would extend until early November due to the heatwave and lack of resources. It stressed the need to prioritize strategic crops and adopt safe farming systems, and reassured farmers that the ministry would take measures to protect local produce.