The head of the Agricultural Cooperative for Potato Farmers in Akkar Omar Hayek called on the Minister of Agriculture Abbas Al-Hajj Hassan and concerned authorities to halt the imports of Egyptian potatoes, as the quantity imported so far estimated at 30,000 tons, is enough for up to 3 months.

Hayek pointed out that “the potato harvest in Akkar has approached, and the farmers this year planted their lands at a very high cost due to the high price of seeds, fertilizers, poisons, investment and others.”

Hayek’s demands came after a meeting with the agricultural authorities in Al-Kuwaikhat, where he warned that “due to the drop in sales in the local market and in exports this season, we are on the verge of a major disaster that no one will bear,” pointing out that “the quality of the Egyptian potatoes is not up to the standards, although their prices are high.

Hayek also called the Minister of Agriculture to save Akkar’s season,” referring to “the tragic conditions that farmers are experiencing.”