Lebanese Olive Farmers Harvest Under Threat of Aerial Attacks
Picking Under Fire: The Daily Risk
Lebanese olive farmers in the southern village of Majdel Selm are picking their crop while facing active threats from drones and warplanes. Khaled Farhat, a local schoolteacher and grove owner, describes the tense reality of harvesting in a war zone.
Breaking news:
Farhat tends to his olive grove, which contains about 200 trees. He works on the land in his spare time between teaching shifts. The harvest season has become a high-stakes operation due to the ongoing conflict in the region.
The sound of aircraft overhead is a constant backdrop to the harvest. Farhat explains that the threat of cluster munitions and drone strikes forces farmers to work quickly and cautiously. Many families rely on the olive oil for income, making the risk even more significant.
How Are Farmers Adapting to the Danger?
The grove is located in a southern village that has seen heavy fighting. Farmers must balance the need to harvest before the fruit falls with the danger of aerial bombardment. This creates a difficult choice between securing the crop and staying safe.
Farhat notes that he tends to the trees whenever he is not on duty at the school. This flexible schedule allows him to monitor the grove while minimizing time spent in the open field. The approach reflects a broader pattern among Lebanese farmers who have adapted their routines to the wartime environment.
The olive harvest is not just an agricultural task; it is a lifeline for many rural households. As the season progresses, the pressure to complete the harvest before the conflict intensifies grows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trees does Farhat's grove contain? Farhat's olive grove in Majdel Selm contains about 200 trees.
What is the main threat to the harvest? The main threats are drones and warplanes, along with the risk of cluster munitions falling in the field.
When does Farhat tend to the grove? He works on the trees in his spare time, specifically when he is not on duty at the school.
More stories: