BEIRUT, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's winter rains have revived agricultural prospects after a prolonged dry spell, boosting water reserves and easing pressure on farmers ahead of the harvest season.
The 2025-2026 winter delivered a series of strong storms after a quiet start, with precipitation intensifying in the latter half of the season.
According to Lebanon's meteorological service, precipitation by mid-April exceeded 75 percent of the country's annual average of 705 millimeters, replenishing surface and groundwater reserves.
Kamal Khair, a university lecturer and geological expert, told Xinhua that the season's importance also lies in the timing of rainfall. Showers fell at regular intervals, allowing gradual soil absorption rather than turning into destructive runoff.
He said the improvement has helped farmers, especially in areas dependent on agriculture, lessening the need for costly irrigation.
Agriculture is Lebanon's third-largest economic sector, after services and industry, and supports roughly 15 percent of the population.
Ibrahim Tarshishi, head of the Bekaa Farmers' Association, described the season as "a major relief for agriculture," noting it follows a year marked by drought.
Rainfall in the Bekaa region's Tal Amara area in eastern Lebanon reached about 200 millimeters by early last week, Tarshishi said, adding that continued precipitation could push the total even higher.
The increased precipitation is expected to support springs, rivers, artesian wells, as well as dams and agricultural reservoirs, easing water shortages and lowering production costs in the coming seasons, he said.
In the western Bekaa, Lake Qaraoun has recorded a noticeable rise in water levels after dropping to unusually low levels in recent years.
Sami Allawi, head of the National Litani River Authority, said the lake's water level has exceeded 849.81 meters above sea level, with storage reaching 135,852,000 cubic meters.
Allawi added that daily hydropower output has reached about 60 megawatts, and that higher water levels could reduce groundwater strain and help Lebanon manage summer demand, provided temperatures stay normal.
The improved water supply is already translating into better field conditions, particularly for cereal crops.
Wheat and barley fields in Bekaa, Akkar and northern regions show strong growth and dense vegetation, with expectations of higher yields compared to previous seasons.
"We haven't seen wheat like this in years. The land was naturally irrigated, and irrigation costs dropped significantly," farmer Jamal Zaiter in the Bekaa Valley said.
Barley, a key crop for livestock feed, has also benefited from improved soil moisture, raising expectations of lower feed costs.
Winter legumes, including beans, have performed well under consistent rainfall, although moisture-sensitive crops in some areas sustained minor damage.
Farmer Abbas Nasreddine said stable weather conditions in the coming weeks will be critical. "If conditions hold until harvest, this could be one of the best seasons in years."
Agricultural engineer Hassan Hamdan said the season could provide an opportunity to revitalize Lebanon's agricultural sector if supported by effective policies and better market organization.
"As harvest approaches, farmers are focused on climate stability and fair pricing," he said, noting that strong production must be matched by viable market returns.
If current trends continue, this season could mark a turning point for Lebanese agriculture, reviving part of the country's legacy as a fertile, green landscape, he said. ■
