Raqqa cotton farmers face high costs
Cotton farmers in the Raqa Governorate in northern Syria are suffering from rising production costs without an official price for their crop, creating a state of uncertainty regarding pricing and the mechanism for delivering the harvest to government authorities or traders. Labor costs, including wages and agricultural materials, have increased significantly, especially with the rise in diesel prices from $100 to $300 per barrel. The cost per donum (a land measurement unit) ranges between $150 and $230, while market prices fluctuate between $750 and $850 per ton. These market prices do not cover the production costs when considering the increased fuel expenses. Farmers are also facing a lack of agricultural support, with some authorities demanding additional payments per donum. They have expressed their willingness to deliver their harvest if a fair official price is set, but the absence of a fixed price threatens to lead to the sale of crops to traders at the expense of the farmers. The ginning sector has halted due to unclear export mechanisms and the exclusion of disinfectant materials by the government. Costs are further exacerbated by power outages and rising diesel prices. Farmers are awaiting a government decision on a pricing scheme to ensure they recover their costs, amidst market ambiguity and statements from relevant authorities indicating their readiness to receive the harvest and set an appropriate price.
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