Drought, Turkey exacerbate crisis of NE, Syrian farmers

The fertile agricultural lands of Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and Tabqa cantons are facing a humanitarian and environmental catastrophe due to the control of the Turkish occupation over the flow of the Euphrates River, the main lifeline.

The North and East Syria Energy Authority alerted to the deterioration of the water crisis in the Euphrates River, in a statement that came after the water level of the Euphrates Dam lake fell to almost 6 meters. The authority also provided solutions to this issue.

The repercussions of the drought, the most severe in three years, have intensified, threatening the integrated farming system in the nation and having serious impacts on the agricultural sector and farmers, affecting the growth of crops, especially strategic crops such as wheat and barley.

This year, dozens of farmers have been displaced from their lands due to climatic changes, drought, and Turkish policies that have resulted in water storage behind dams, contributing to the economic and livelihood difficulties of people who rely on agriculture.

Farmers in Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa cantons criticized Turkey's use of the Euphrates River as a means of pressure. The water supply has not exceeded 250 cubic meters per second, far below the 500 cubic meters agreed upon in the 1987 treaty.

Some farmers, such as Saleh al-Nawaf of the city of Hajin in Deir ez-Zor province's eastern countryside, said, "We are taking temporary measures by moving water pumps to areas near the river."

He continued, "Despite all of this, the water in the wells has become salty and not fit for use in irrigation or for drinking due to the over-extraction of groundwater and the decline of the Euphrates River. Power outages and the price of fuel have also contributed to our expenses."

Farmer Khadija al-Hamed, from al-Bu Khater town in Deir ez-Zor canton's eastern countryside, says, "The receding water level threatens the future of agricultural lands amidst a drought in the region."

In his turn, farmer Ahmed al-Baroud, from al-Rahiyat Farm, in Raqqa canton 's northern countryside, said, "The repercussions of the receding water level have begun to negatively impact our crop yields."

Al-Baroud pointed out that "the decline in water levels has increased our production costs, forcing us to dig additional wells to secure irrigation water. This has burdened us and increased our suffering. Many have also been forced to reduce their cultivated areas."

In this context, the Farmers' Union in Raqqa Canton condemned the Turkish occupation state's use of the Euphrates River as a bargaining chip, considering it a real threat to food and economic security in the region.

Huwaidi al-Shawakh, a member of the Farmers' Union in Raqqa Canton, said, "The situation is beginning to be catastrophic if the water level of the Euphrates River decreases further."

He added, "We are seeing lands begin to dry and the river water recede. This will affect agricultural crops, especially next season's cotton, corn, and vegetables, which require more water than the winter season."

The member of the Farmers' Union in Raqqa Canton called upon the international community to pressure the Turkish state, which is the reason for this depletion, and ensure a fair flow of water, as agriculture is the life and livelihood of the people of Raqqa Canton.

It should be noted that The Agriculture and Irrigation Authority in Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor canton tried to mitigate the effects of the drought of 2025 by distributing three batches of subsidized diesel fuel to farmers in support of the agricultural sector.

The situation is still very difficult and needs serious efforts on all sides to pass this crisis and secure the livelihood of thousands of farmers in Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor.

T/S
ANHA