Arab News Japan

There seems to be some respite for the farmers of Lebanon, amid the socio-economic crisis that the country is currently witnessing.

In remote Mchaityhe in Baalbeck, a solar power system for the water pumping facility was inaugurated by Japan’s Ambassador MAGOSHI Masayuki.

The project, implemented by Organization for Social and Agricultural Development (OSAD), and supported by the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Security Projects (GGP), will increase the volume of irrigation water in Mchaityhe, and enable more than 700 vulnerable farmers to continue their agricultural activities and improve their livelihoods.

The ceremony was held in the presence of Dr. Hanna El Khoury, President of the OSAD, and Marcel El-Khoury, Representative of the Mchaityhe Agriculture Cooperative.

In his speech, Ambassador MAGOSHI stated that agriculture is becoming increasingly central to Lebanon’s economic and social development, especially during the current hardships and emerging global food insecurity, hoping that this project will help farmers raise their productivity, secure their livelihoods, and contribute to national food security.

In return, Dr. El Khoury thanked Japan for its continuous support, mentioning that the water pumping facility was first supported by Japan in 1997 to tackle the deprivation of water in the region, and is now being equipped with a solar power system through this initiative to overcome the ongoing electricity crisis.

He also emphasized the significant impact of this vital project on the community, while showing his sincere respect towards Japan and its people.