Daraa: Agricultural Authorities Destroy Crops Irrigated with Sewage and Confiscate Pumps

Agricultural authorities in Syria's Daraa province have launched a strict crackdown, resulting in the destruction of crops irrigated with sewage water and the confiscation of associated pumping equipment.

Legal Actions and Farmer Awareness

The operation took place in the Wadi district of Al-Zahia neighborhood, where officials documented violations while distributing warnings about the severe health risks of using sewage for irrigation. Muhammad Khair Aba Zaid, deputy director of agriculture, emphasized that such practices pose significant dangers to humans and animals, asserting that all actions are being taken in strict accordance with legal protocols.

Aba Zaid clarified that the department's strategy extends beyond punishment, including issuing formal warnings to farmers about harsher penalties for repeat offenses, aiming to deter future violations that threaten food safety in the region.

Legal Background and Health Risks

This campaign follows an April directive mandating stricter oversight of irrigation sources, citing Decree Law No. 59 of 2005, which mandates the immediate destruction of contaminated crops and confiscation of equipment for state treasury sale. Although no official disease cases have been recorded, international reports warn that pathogens can survive in produce even after water treatment, necessitating caution.

The Daraa Agricultural Department continues to monitor the situation closely, expressing concern about potentially contaminated produce reaching markets before detection, raising questions about the scale of the issue and the number of involved parties.