Tartous, Feb. 10 (SANA) Citrus production in Syria’s coastal Tartous province is a vital economic pillar for local families, with total output reaching about 146,000 tons a year, making it one of the country’s most productive citrus-growing regions, according to local officials.
Around 9,200 hectares are planted with citrus trees across the province, accounting for approximately 3.4 million trees, agriculture officials in Tartous say. Citrus ranks as the second-largest agricultural crop in the province after olives, with orchards concentrated in and around Tartous city and extending to Safita, Dreikish, Banias, Sheikh Badr and Qadmous.
Mohammad Ahmad, director of agriculture in Tartous, said production is diversified across several citrus varieties. Oranges make up about 39% of output, followed by lemons at 37%, mandarins at 16%, and grapefruit at 8%. The harvest includes early-season varieties such as Abu Surra and Satsuma, as well as late-season Valencia oranges and white grapefruit.
Part of the annual crop is marketed domestically, while the remainder is exported after sorting and packaging, Ahmad said. However, peak harvest periods often coincide with price declines, affecting profitability and, in some cases, leading to fruit being left unharvested.
Authorities have introduced biological pest-control measures to protect yields, including the free distribution of natural predators and fruit fly attractants. Despite these efforts, production remains vulnerable to weather conditions.
“Frost affects late-season varieties, while drought reduces water levels in reservoirs,” Ahmad said, noting that water shortages can lead to smaller fruit, lower juice content and reduced market value.
Farmers say output volumes have remained broadly stable this season despite logistical and infrastructure challenges. Samir Jabbour, a grower from Blata al-Gharbiya village, said improved prices helped offset last summer’s difficulties caused by electricity cuts and water shortages.
Agricultural officials said extension programs and field workshops are continuing in coordination with farmers’ unions, with the aim of maintaining production levels and improving quality amid rising input costs.
