Al-Hasakah Farmers Face Rising Seed Prices and Financial Strains

Farmers in al-Hasakah governorate, northeastern Syria, are facing significant challenges as they prepare for the winter agricultural season. Rising seed prices and delayed payments from the previous season are creating financial strain, with many farmers struggling to secure the necessary liquidity to purchase seeds and begin plowing. The costs are further compounded by the reliance on rainfed agriculture, where rainfall levels and timing directly impact production expenses.

Seed prices vary depending on the crop and quality, with durum wheat costing $400 per ton plus $50 for sorting and treatment, while soft wheat costs $375 per ton plus $25 for treatment. Other crops like barley, cumin, coriander, sesame, lentils, and broad beans also have varying costs. Ahmed al-Mulla, a seed trader in al-Hasakah, explained that sorting and treatment are essential steps to protect seeds from diseases and pests, but these processes add to the overall cost.

Mousa Ramadan, a farmer from the southern al-Hasakah countryside, highlighted that the delayed payments from the previous season are exacerbating the financial burden. Farmers must cover the costs of plowing, fuel, irrigation, and other inputs, making it difficult to secure the capital needed for the new season. Ahmed al-Jabr, another farmer, noted that the financial pressure is even greater for those who rent land, as they must also give a share of the harvest to the landowner.

Despite al-Hasakah leading wheat production in Syria with around 1.16 million tons marketed in the 2026 season, the high production in one season does not necessarily ease the burdens for farmers in the following season. The success of the agricultural season remains tied to precipitation levels and the ability of farmers to secure production inputs at the appropriate time. Seed prices at the beginning of the season serve as an initial indicator of the costs farmers will face in the coming months.