Pistachio farming in north-western Syria still faces challenges - in pictures

Farmers have had their hopes dashed by scorched trees and the ravages of climate change

Farmer Youssef Ibrahim tends to a pistachio tree at his farm, in the northwestern village of Maan, Syria August 8, 2022. REUTERS / Firas Makdesi

Farmers near the north-western village of Maan are harvesting only a quarter of the crop they gathered before the civil war.

The long road to recovery has been obstructed by 'the lack of rainfall, climate change as a whole, and the lack of basic materials', one pistachio farmer complained.

Syria's worst drought in 70 years took place last year and much of its land remains parched.

The nuts tend to be harvested at dawn and sunset when their shells split naturally, generating a cracking noise that guides farmers to trees ready for picking.

Farmer Nayef Ibrahim tends to a pistachio tree at his farm, in the north-western village of Maan.

Syrian Agriculture Ministry official Jihad Mohamed said pistachio farming had suffered because the areas in which the nuts are grown had been badly affected by the war.

Despite that, exports continue with Syrian pistachios selling in markets including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon.

More from The National:

Syria's soaring temperatures – in pictures

Water levels drop in the Euphrates river in Syria - in pictures

Syria's last traditional boat-makers — in pictures

100-year-old wheat mill in Syria - in pictures

Syrian farming at risk from low water levels in the Euphrates river - in pictures