Turkish Agricultural Delegation Visits Tartus to Review Projects
A Turkish agricultural delegation conducted a field visit to Tartus Governorate this week to assess the current state of the Syrian agricultural sector and explore opportunities for cooperation in developing regional projects. This visit aligns with the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture’s initiative to support Syrian agriculture and follows directives from the Turkish government aimed at fostering technical collaboration and the transfer of successful agricultural practices.
The delegation included high-level officials, notably the Advisor to the Turkish Minister of Agriculture, Mehmet Soğancı, and the Advisor to the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), İlhan Aydın. During their tour of the Baniyas area, the delegation met with the Director of Agriculture in Tartus, Mohamed Ahmed. The discussions focused on the primary challenges facing the sector and the essential requirements for its advancement.
The field visit encompassed several specialized agricultural projects. The delegation observed the progress of the “Green Gold” project and toured the “Almasa” nursery, which specializes in producing seedlings for medicinal and aromatic plants. Additionally, the team inspected an organic fertilizer production unit, reviewing the mechanisms currently used for managing and recycling agricultural waste for productive use.
During the meetings, the Director of Agriculture for Tartus provided a detailed overview of the unique characteristics of the province’s agricultural sector, emphasizing its significant economic and social importance due to the diversity of its crops. Ahmed highlighted the value of leveraging Turkey’s extensive experience in the field, particularly in transferring technologies that are well-suited to the nature of Syrian soil and the specific needs of local farmers.
The Turkish delegation expressed a commitment to providing the necessary technical support and to expanding frameworks for cooperation. Areas of mutual interest discussed included protected agriculture—a field in which Turkey holds notable expertise—as well as rural development, the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants, and the advancement of organic fertilizer production units. The talks also addressed vital areas such as forestry management and water harvesting projects, which the governorate aims to develop to ensure the long-term sustainability of agricultural resources.
This visit underscores a shared interest in opening new horizons for agricultural cooperation. Such efforts are intended to benefit the local economy in Tartus by enhancing the quality of production and strengthening agricultural infrastructure through the application of advanced technical expertise.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
