Key Highlights

• Most of the agriculture input prices remained generally stable but high in September 2020 compared to crisis periods across the 35 monitored sites. However, there was a notable increase in the price of Barley seed from the local market across all monitored sites, with an average increase of at least 29% being recorded. The major factors behind the upward pressure on the cost of Barley seed in the local market could be attributed to the increased seasonal demand since the winter cropping season is approaching and some local traders are being opportunistic in the monitored governorates.   

• Fuel shortages persist across the 35 sites in Syria and the acute and continued shortage will most likely result in the spike of agriculture production costs and result in subsequent future increases in the price of agriculture commodities. Fuel shortages may also adversely affect preparations for the coming winter season, especially for mechanized land preparation, planting and even weeding operations in several cropping areas.

• The prevailing high cost of agriculture inputs in the local market will continue limiting access, especially for smallholder and crisis-affected farmers since the Government subsidized sources are unable to sufficiently meet the farmer’s full requirements. The pre -existing constraints regarding the depreciation of the Syrian Pound (SYP) and the dwindling foreign currency reserves will continue to affect importation of most agricultural inputs.