Raqqa Wheat Farmers Urge Faster Payment of Financial Dues
Wheat farmers in the Raqqa province have issued urgent calls for the acceleration of financial payouts for the grain they have delivered to official collection centers. The producers, who have seen their financial obligations mount during the current season, are warning that delays in receiving their dues are placing significant pressure on their agricultural operations and family welfare.
Agricultural stakeholders report that the delay in payment has exacerbated the burden on farmers, many of whom were required to borrow money to cover the high costs of seeds, fertilizers, and harvesting services. The financial strain has led to growing frustration among the agricultural community, with some producers stating that the current pace of payment does not match the volume of individuals seeking their entitlements.
In response to these concerns, the management of the Agricultural Cooperative Bank in Raqqa has clarified the operational procedures currently governing the disbursement of funds. According to Faisal Daham al-Shibli, head of the bank’s branch in Raqqa, the payment process is being conducted based on finalized lists and the availability of daily liquidity. He noted that the institution is working to settle claims sequentially as funds are transferred from the general administration and the Central Bank of Syria.
Official data from the bank indicates that approximately 3,600 purchase invoices have been submitted to local branches. To date, payments have been processed for about 1,113 of these invoices. The bank has emphasized that the disbursement timeline is strictly tied to the arrival of liquidity and the adherence to regulations set by the central monetary authorities.
To facilitate the distribution process, the bank has implemented several methods for releasing funds, including deposits through the “Sham Cash” service for farmers who have established bank accounts, and the issuance of initial payments representing 25 percent of the total due. Officials state that they are in continuous coordination with the Central Bank of Syria in Raqqa to secure the necessary liquidity required to process the remaining outstanding invoices.
The regional committee overseeing the grain marketing season in Raqqa confirmed that the total volume of wheat received this year has reached approximately 300,000 tons. Since the beginning of the season, regional authorities have been focused on streamlining the operations of local banks to ensure that farmers receive their payments in a timely manner. The issue remains a focal point for local agricultural departments, which are prioritizing the stabilization of the sector and the prompt settlement of dues to help farmers prepare for the upcoming agricultural cycle.
