Ongoing protests in Syria against the wheat pricing

The protests continue in several Syrian cities and towns for the second consecutive day, especially in agricultural areas, in rejection of the decision by the Ministry of Economy in the interim government to set the price for purchasing a ton of wheat at 46,000 Syrian pounds.

Protests continue in several Syrian cities and towns for the second consecutive day, especially in agricultural areas, in rejection of the decision by the Ministry of Economy in the interim government to set the purchase price of a ton of wheat at 46,000 SYP. According to the new currency, which is equivalent to 330 dollars.

The decision, issued under number 94 on Saturday, sparked the anger of farmers who confirmed that the pricing does not cover the high production costs, amid rising prices of fuel, fertilizers, seeds, and transportation.The cities of Hama, Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, and Hasakah, along with Amuda, witnessed protests for the second day in a row, in which farmers and residents participated. They raised wheat ears and chanted slogans criticizing current economic policies, in addition to holding banners that read "We have stopped farming," "Don't undervalue people's possessions," "Wheat means the gold of al-Jazira, so don't turn it to ashes," and others.

Farmers believe that the interim government, despite placing wheat ears on the highest new circulating currency denomination (500 Syrian pounds), has not shown any real interest in supporting this strategic crop or in fairly compensating its producers.

While observers point to the possibility of repeating last year's scenario when the interim government adjusted the price by adding a bonus of 20 per ton, raising the price to about $450.

These protests come despite official expectations that wheat production this season will reach 2.3 million tons, benefiting from improved rainfall rates.

ANHA