Agriculture in the Land of Agriculture [Archives:2000/17/Health]

By: Hassan Al-Zaidy
Yemen Times, Marib

Ma’areb governorate has natural and geographical basic resources in abundance, coupled by its fertile land, convenient climate and plenty of water, which make it a major agricultural district. Ancient Yemen civilizations such as Saba’a and Hemiar mainly founded on agriculture had flourished in this area. Agriculture was boosted by building dams such as Ma’areb Dam and reclaiming lands.
Cursory glance at the present scenario of the agricultural reality of this governorate will be well in order. When Ma’areb dam was re-built in 1986, the residents cherished the hope that the old happy days were back again and that the semi-desert lands were going to be green once again. The people started reclaiming their lands, planting vegetables including potatoes, tomatoes, melons, besides wheat and sesame. Some of the farmers started expanding cultivation of the above crops and dedicating all their arable lands for this purpose. After struggling to plant these crops and fighting all the relevant diseases, farmers are facing the formidable problem of marketing the crop. They are dismayed to find that there is no market demand for all their crops. A matter of fact, this is a pressing problem bewildering farmers from 1987 to 1991. Neither private nor government companies are established to invest in this field by buying these crops, storing them for seasons to come or exporting. After harvesting huge piles of agricultural products accumulated on streets is a symbol of the government apathy, ignorance and negligence. Such miserable conditions have made many farmers think twice before deciding to plant vegetables. Some other farmers have given up cultivating their lands mainly because of the heavy losses they suffer.
Although many farmers started planting wheat, they soon stopped it for they found that the expenses are far more than the benefit they get and are more than the cost of imported wheat. Therefore, most farmers tend to give up growing wheat except for their domestic consumption. Finding farmers furious about their plight, the Organization of Developing the Eastern Areas made available citrus plants which were later extended to about 80% of the agricultural lands in the governorate. After three years of struggle, farmers came to face the same marketing problem, as before. Besides the harvest was not spectacular due to destruction by white ants and other insects as well. The problem of irrigation was also another depressing factor since 1997. Eventually, most of them started to pluck out these plants or leave their farms high and dry as they found that they remunerative prices for the crops. This is the plight of Ma’areb which once boasted of a rich harvest in vegetables, wheat, sesame, citrus fruits spread over a large area of lands.
Irrigation Techniques :
Most farmers highly depend on ground water for irrigation. However, erratic digging has led to the drainage of ground water in the governorate.
Ma’areb Dam was not made use of except for tapping the near ground water wells. There are extensive agricultural lands located near the dam, which however, have never been irrigated from the dam. Besides, Channels Irrigating Project has proved to be inefficient for the difficulties to distribute water to the Western areas due to some geographical reasons. When dry seasons come, people resort to pierce the channel wasting huge quantities of water.
Ancient Agricultural Tools:
So far, most farmers are still using traditional tools in reclaiming agricultural lands including using camels and donkeys for ploughing. These farmers can not at all afford to buy modern agricultural machines. Besides, the government has always been turning a deaf ear to these farmers’ needs. Therefore, many farmers tend to reclaim very small portions of their lands to harvest best of their resources.
Floods:
Rain Floods of 1995 and 1996 had grave consequences on agricultural lands. Many farms located near valleys were swept away by floods. A case in point is what happened in Wadi Dwaar District, Al-Muhjizah, Madghal, Raghwan, Harib Al-Karamish, etc. Many farmers terribly suffered due to these catastrophes. However, the authorities and institutions concerned didn’t move a finger to relieve their suffering. On the other hand, there was some local as well as international assistance for those affected farmers. However, so far they have received nothing substantial.

In this regard, Saleh Saleh Shoil, a farmer whose farm was completely swept away by floods, said “We used to have extensive farms and we used to plant almost every thing including vegetables including apples, oranges, and wheat, etc. However, floods came to sweep every thing away. The Project pump was also carried away and the well was filled up with earth. Since 1996 till date we have received nothing of the aid granted by the friendly countries. We do request the government to provide us, at least, with the basic tools to reclaim these lands or protect what has been saved. However, it seems that the authority has always been giving us a deaf ear. Only those who conduct acts of sabotage are heeded and they are given what they ask for. I do call upon international organizations to come to see things as they are in reality.
The Environmental Pollution:
Oil companies working in the governorate have created dangerously polluted environment which has considerably affected agriculture. Besides, piercing the oilline pipe every now and then has resulted in hazardous environmental consequences.

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