The Syrian Future Movement is following with grave concern and strong condemnation the ongoing complaints from farmers in the Hasakah countryside (the areas of Darbasiyah, Amuda, and their surrounding villages) regarding the widespread damage to wheat crops resulting from the use of unsuitable seeds distributed by the “Autonomous Administration” as part of its agricultural support program for the 2025-2026 season.
According to field and media reports, the seeds failed to germinate despite abundant rainfall, leading to significant losses estimated at over 50,000 dunams affected in some areas, with damage rates exceeding 60% in many farmers’ fields. Furthermore, more than a thousand tons of seeds of questionable quality were distributed.
We believe that these losses are not merely statistics; they represent accumulated debt for thousands of farming families, the loss of a primary source of income for an entire season, and an increased risk of internal displacement and exacerbated poverty in areas considered the breadbasket of Syria.
The Syrian Future Movement notes that preliminary investigations and previous technical reports (from the General Establishment for Seed Multiplication) indicate that the primary cause was the repeated sterilization of seeds at the Kabka silos. This resulted in damage to the embryo within the seed and loss of its germination capacity, despite clear prior technical warnings.
Therefore, we consider this incident a serious administrative failure and a dereliction of duty that has caused direct economic and livelihood harm to farmers who depend on agriculture as their primary source of income. It also threatens local and national food security amidst the harsh economic conditions faced by Syrians.
The Syrian Future Movement considers this situation a blatant violation of farmers’ rights to access safe and effective production inputs. It emphasizes that ignoring technical warnings and distributing unsuitable seeds despite this constitutes direct responsibility that necessitates immediate and transparent accountability.
Therefore, the Syrian Future Movement demands the following:
- An immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the distribution of the contaminated seeds. This should be conducted through a joint investigative committee comprised of independent agricultural experts, representatives of the affected farmers, and impartial oversight bodies. The committee’s mandate is to accurately determine responsibility and uncover any negligence or administrative or financial corruption.
- Those responsible for the distribution decision, despite explicit warnings, must be held accountable, whether within the “Agriculture Authority” of the Autonomous Administration or the entities overseeing the silos. The case should be referred to impartial judicial authorities to ensure accountability.
- All those affected must receive immediate and full compensation for direct losses (seed costs, fertilizers, labor, and expected production) and indirect losses (accumulated debt, loss of an entire season, and impact on the stability of farming families). A neutral technical committee must accurately assess these losses, and compensation must be paid within a specific and publicly announced timeframe.
- The immediate redistribution of valid and certified seeds for the current or upcoming season must be mandated. The quality of agricultural inputs must be guaranteed through rigorous technical oversight and complete transparency in the procurement, storage, and distribution processes.
- Strengthening comprehensive agricultural support in the northeastern regions, including the provision of certified improved seeds, fertilizers, fuel, and ongoing technical training, while involving farmers and their organizations in formulating agricultural policies to prevent the recurrence of such disasters.
The Syrian Future Movement affirms that food security is a fundamental right for every Syrian citizen and must not be jeopardized by administrative negligence or mismanagement.
The Syrian Future Movement also calls on the Autonomous Administration to fully assume its moral and legal responsibility towards the affected farmers. We urge national bodies and relevant international organizations (such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the UN World Food Programme) to provide technical and financial support to the affected farmers and strengthen oversight mechanisms for agricultural programs in all Syrian regions. The Syrian people deserve a responsible administration that protects their resources and dignity, not one that perpetuates their suffering.
