Tartous, Sept. 4 (SANA) Olive production in Syria’s coastal province of Tartous is expected to reach around 127,000 tons this season, up sharply from 10,000 tons last year, the provincial Agriculture Directorate said.
Tartous Agriculture Director Mohammad Ahmad attributed the increase to favorable weather conditions, including lower temperatures and good rainfall, as well as an integrated pest-management program targeting threats such as peacock spot disease and the olive fruit fly.
Ahmad told SANA the province has around 11 million olive trees, including 10 million that are productive, while harvest dates will be determined by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Olive Office based on weather conditions and crop maturity.
Olive groves are found across Tartous at elevations of up to 750 meters above sea level. The Daibli variety accounts for about 65% of olive varieties grown in the province, alongside Khudairi, Safrawi, Airouni and Sukkari.
The Agriculture Ministry provides technical support to growers throughout the production cycle through agricultural extension units, Ahmad said. Farmers also receive free attractants for food and pheromone traps, while the directorate conducts free seasonal campaigns to combat peacock spot disease.
Around 75,000 hectares are planted with olive trees across Tartous, which has 248 olive presses. Most are concentrated in Safita, followed by Tartous and Baniyas.
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