Parliament Discusses Role of Agronomists in Strengthening Food Security
The Parliamentary Committee for Agriculture and Food Security recently held an expanded meeting with a delegation from the Syndicate of Agricultural Engineers, led by Dr. Israa Mashhour. The discussion focused on the current state of the profession and the various challenges facing the agricultural sector in Syria, with a particular emphasis on how engineering expertise can bolster agricultural development and enhance national food security.
The meeting, which took place as part of efforts to strengthen coordination between legislative institutions and professional unions, highlighted the necessity of utilizing specialized agricultural expertise. The participants explored ways to integrate these specialists into the development of agricultural extension services and the formulation of national agricultural policies. It was emphasized that involving experts in the planning process is essential to ensure that future strategies align with the country’s actual needs.
During the session, both parties examined significant challenges currently impacting the sector, most notably the impacts of climate change and drought. These environmental factors are exerting increased pressure on water resources and farmland. Consequently, the discussion addressed potential solutions, including better securing production requirements, advancing agricultural marketing processes, and improving supply chain efficiency to ensure that agricultural products reach markets and remain accessible to citizens.
Regarding the regulation of the profession, the committee and the union discussed proposals to refine the legislative environment for agricultural engineers. The aim is to ensure that their role in providing direct technical supervision of agricultural projects is more effectively activated. The committee highlighted that this activation is a fundamental pillar for increasing local production efficiency and improving the overall performance of the sector, which in turn will positively impact food security stability.
For its part, the Committee for Agriculture and Food Security reiterated its commitment to continued cooperation with the Syndicate of Agricultural Engineers. The committee plans to follow up on the outputs and recommendations reached during the meeting to ensure they are translated into practical steps that support the development of the Syrian agricultural sector. This session is part of a broader series of meetings the committee has been holding to discuss legislation related to agriculture, following a similar set of meetings held in late October.
The Parliamentary Committee for Agriculture and Food Security was established under Decision No. 109 of 2026, issued by the Speaker of the Parliament. Its membership comprises a selection of members tasked with monitoring sector-related issues and fostering a legal environment that supports agricultural activities across all Syrian governorates.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
