Rice planted in Derik after 50 years
Due to the heavy rains in winter, the springs in Derik have started to bubble again.
Northern and Eastern Syria has the most fertile farmland and many sources in the war-torn country. In particular, many different plants thrive in the region. However, the Syrian regime enforced wheat monocultures in Rojava and even planting trees was prohibited without authorization.
Since the revolution, the people of northern and eastern Syria have been working to diversify agriculture. However, since the Turkish state cut off flow from rivers through its dams, the groundwater level dropped sharply. Unplanned deep well excavations of the population also contributed to the drought. Therefore, agriculture has become increasingly difficult in recent years due to lack of water.
Rice has not been planted in Derik for 50 years. The massive rainfalls last winter, however, now allowed the groundwater level rise and allow the cultivation of the crop. The peasants are now experimenting with rice cultivation and will expand the area if the harvest is productive and the quality of the rice is good. For this they need the support of the agriculture committees as it is difficult to get the necessary funds because of the embargo.