Drought-hit Syrian farmers hope sanctions lift will revive agriculture

Severe drought in Syria this year is threatening about 75% of local wheat crops, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns, risking food shortages for millions.

Toni Ettel, FAO’s representative in Syria, told Reuters that the agency expects a wheat shortfall of 2.7 million tonnes this year — enough to feed 16.3 million people for a year.

For years, under President Bashar al-Assad, Syria relied on wheat imports from Russia to support bread subsidies during droughts. But after Assad was ousted, Moscow stopped wheat shipments, citing uncertainty about Syria’s new government.

Farmers like Asaad Ezzeldin in Aleppo have seen their crops fail due to lack of rain and irrigation. The agriculture sector is already weakened after 13 years of war and heavy bombing.

In a surprise move, U.S. President Donald Trump announced last week plans to lift all sanctions on Syria, with some relief expected soon. This could help Syria’s agriculture recover by allowing funds for irrigation and rebuilding infrastructure, Ettel said.

Following this move The EU has also officially announced the lifting of its broad economic sanctions on Syria, aiming to support the country’s reconstruction and recovery.

The removal of sanctions on Syria is seen as a turning point, offering hope for progress in key sectors like agriculture. With restrictions lifted, Syrian farmers may soon gain access to vital resources such as irrigation technology, fuel, and investment—essential for rebuilding after years of war and drought. While targeted sanctions tied to the Assad regime and security risks remain, the broader move signals international support for Syria’s recovery and political transition.

Syria’s new government has long pushed to remove sanctions that isolated its economy, making it heavily dependent on Russia and Iran.

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