Cash Shortage Delays Wheat Payments to Farmers in Hasaka

ARK News.. Farmers in Hasaka province are facing difficulties receiving payments for their wheat invoices for this year amid a shortage of cash and delays in disbursing payments, according to local sources.

The delays come as the agricultural ploughing season approaches and farmers begin preparations for the new crop season.

The sources said the farmers’ wheat invoices have been included on payment lists, but they have yet to receive their dues, increasing their financial burden as they face the costs of fuel, seeds, plowing and other agricultural supplies.

One farmer said his invoice was “on the list", but a lack of available cash had prevented it from being paid. He stressed that farmers need their payments at this time to cover the costs of the upcoming agricultural season.

Mohammed Omar, director of the Agricultural Bank in the city of Tirbaspiye, said the bank needs around 300 million Syrian pounds per day to pay farmers’ dues, while the cash reaching the bank amounts to only about 70 million pounds per day.

He said the available funds are insufficient to meet farmers’ needs or pay all outstanding invoices.

The sources said farmers are calling on the relevant authorities to secure the necessary liquidity and accelerate the payment of wheat invoices to help them purchase supplies for the new agricultural season and ease their accumulated financial burdens.

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