Beirut, Lebanon (Enmaeya News) — As Lebanon enters the summer season, farmers are struggling with a sharp decline in rainfall and soaring production costs, leading to rising prices for fruits and vegetables in local markets. The combined impact of these challenges casts a shadow over the country’s agricultural outlook.

Ibrahim Tarshishi, president of the Lebanese National Farmers’ Union, explained to Nidaa Al-Watan that the drought since March has prompted serious concerns about this year’s summer harvest.

“Rainfall this year has been much lower than usual since early March,” Tarshishi said. “This signals a dry summer ahead, which will force farmers to reduce their cultivated areas. As supply decreases while demand remains steady, prices are expected to rise.”

The increase in prices is already noticeable and is likely to continue as summer progresses, especially for crops planted later in the season.

Farmers have started to carefully adjust their plans, Tarshishi said, due to limited water resources. “They no longer risk planting as freely as at the beginning of the season,” he noted.

The cost of irrigation has surged dramatically, jumping from 7% to 30% of total production expenses — nearly quadrupling — which has led to significant financial losses for many farmers.

Tarshishi highlighted that the fruit sector is the hardest hit, since fruit trees require constant watering. “Without regular irrigation, trees dry out and die,” he explained.

Regarding the availability of fruits and vegetables in markets, Tarshishi said he cannot guarantee that supply will meet local demand, but prices will almost certainly continue to climb. “For instance, prices of lettuce and green beans are already high, and tomato prices have started to increase,” he added.

In closing, Tarshishi warned that Lebanon’s agriculture sector is facing a critical threat. He pointed out that export options are limited to sea routes, which come with high costs and further strain the industry.