‍Fatima Al-Abadi & Liza Al-Jandi‍

Farmer Alawi Saif Qa'ed was compelled to sell his daughters' gold and jewelry to afford a solar-powered irrigation system for his farmland located in the Al-Hussaini region of the Tuban district in Lahj Governorate, as he explained to "Khuyut." He emphasized that he has since shifted to cultivating lemon, tomatoes, mangoes, onions, and sweet potatoes, replacing the traditional crops and herbs that his family had grown for generations, like cotton, aleppo oak, madras thorn, jumbo, coffee, and dates—which had long distinguished Lahj from other Yemeni governorates. However, these traditional crops have significantly declined, and one could even say they have nearly vanished in recent years due to numerous challenges and factors that have left farmers powerless to sustain them.

Qa'ed was not the only farmer who has been unable to continue cultivating the rare and cash crops that once formed a national source of income for both the governorate and the country as a whole. Actually, this situation seems to be prevalent among dozens of other farmers who have been compelled by circumstances to replace these valuable crops with seasonal and consumable varieties and alternatives, such as vegetables. In some cases, the situation has deteriorated to the point where some have had to sell their land and fields after they have completely dried up.

The Paradise That Once Flourished

The orchards of Al-Hussaini, which poets and writers once praised and celebrated, where one could hardly see the path while walking towards them due to the abundance of trees and diverse, rare fruits, have now become akin to a barren land. Most of their agricultural areas lie vacant, a consequence of several factors that have conspired against this once-lush oasis. Foremost among these reasons is urban sprawl, which gradually devours agricultural land, consuming it piece by piece, nearly eliminating it entirely. Added to this are the impacts of climate change, which has affected the seasonal rainfall patterns and caused fluctuations in their levels, and also the tendency of many farmers to replace indigenous and native crops with those that are more widely cultivated, in higher demand, and fast-growing alternatives with shorter life cycles.

It is noteworthy that the productive farmland for crops in Lahj Governorate exceeds 32,168 hectares, accounting for approximately 3.7% of the total agricultural production across the governorates, according to agricultural statistics from 2009.

On the other hand, the lands of Lahj Governorate are distinguished by the cultivation of various grains, including corn, millet, and barley, as well as a range of fruits such as mangoes, papaya, melon, guava, watermelon, pomegranate, and banana. Additionally, the region also produces citrus fruits and vegetables, including potatoes, okra, chili peppers, and cucumbers, alongside legumes such as green beans.

Notably, the region also grows cash crops such as coffee, cotton, and sesame, as well as various types of fodder, grasses, and alfalfa.

“Due to the absence of a genetic bank in Lahj Governorate to preserve the strains of its native crops, the cytoplasm needed for replanting the region's renowned cash crops, this has led to the complete disappearance of certain varieties, such as "Code Four" and the "Medium-Staple" strain. These varieties have been replaced by hybrid and fast-growing crops, which mature within a short period of less than a year.”

Dying Genetic Heritage

In the past, cotton—often referred to as "white gold"—was once a top priority for farmers in Lahj, as it was the leading cash crop in terms of both area and production, followed by sesame, almonds, and a specific variety of millet known as "sorghum." However, due to the absence of a genetic bank in Lahj Governorate to preserve the strains of its native crops, the cytoplasm needed for replanting the region's renowned cash crops, this has led to the complete disappearance of certain varieties, such as "Code Four" and the "Medium-Staple" strain. These varieties have been replaced by hybrid and fast-growing crops, which mature within a short period of less than a year.

Moreover, Lahj has been renowned for cultivating custard apple fruit (Annona), a type of custard apple locally known as Al-Khirmish. It is distinguished by its thorns, which is why it is called the thorny custard apple. This variety differs from the more common type found in many areas of Yemen. Another unique fruit is the Sapodilla, locally known as 'Al-Abbasi,' brought by the sultans of Lahj from India in the mid-1950s, also known as sapote fruit. A basket of sapote fruit is priced for between 50,000  and 60,000 Yemeni riyals, depending on the exchange rate in the areas controlled by the internationally recognized government. The region is also known for cultivating crops such as cauliflower, cabbage, parsley, and several major horticultural products such as mangoes, grapes, bananas, and oranges. In addition, there are rare trees such as Al- Ziziphus jujuba, a species of plant belonging to the Buckthorn family, and madras thorn, also known as Al-Dayman or Indian almond (Terminalia catappa), which once flourished and was widespread in the orchards of Lahj and is renowned for its numerous health benefits. However, it too has become one of the endangered plant species, as a widespread sense of despair has forced farmers in the governorate to either abandon their lands and fields or shift towards cultivating fast-growing, consumable vegetables and fruits, prioritizing these over the rare and economically valuable species.

Gradual Extinction of Plants

Agriculture in Lahj Governorate has been negatively impacted by climate change, which began in 1975, the year when many scientists predicted natural disasters such as floods and rising temperatures. These changes have had a significant impact on agriculture, particularly on the crops that are distinctive to Lahj.

For his part, Najeeb Ahmed Sallam, a professor of plant protection at the University of Lahj and Deputy Dean of Nasser College for Agricultural Sciences, spoke to "Khuyut," saying: "Extinction is a long-term environmental impact that occurs due to significant environmental changes or the sudden emergence of pests, such as what happened in the 1950s and 1960s when the 'migratory crow' invaded Lahj Governorate, affecting large areas and many crops. However, overall, the extinction of certain species in Lahj will only affect a small number of these crops. Nevertheless, it will gradually continue to eliminate other crops unless the relevant authorities take the necessary measures to preserve agriculture and crops in the governorate."

“Lahj’s fertile soil and the cooperative agricultural practices—supported by state-sponsored programs and community initiatives— formed the foundation that helped the region flourish as a rich agricultural oasis, abundant with various types of crops. In the 1970s, agricultural efforts were based on organized cooperative work, supported by the state and adopted by various unions and community initiatives at the time.”

Nostalgia for Cooperative Associations

Sallam pointed to the core of the agricultural decline in Lahj, stating: "Cooperative work and fertile soil were the foundation that made Lahj appear as a rich agricultural oasis with various types of crops. In the 1970s, agricultural activities relied on organized cooperative efforts, supported by the state and embraced by various unions and community initiatives at that time."

He continued by saying, "I still remember that Mr. Hamid Al-Saqqaf inaugurated the first nursery for fruit trees, which included a variety of grape and strawberry species, among others, forming the famous Al-Hawta nursery. He was also keen on improving the available varieties at that time, such as mangoes."

He added, “Lahj is an evergreen agricultural land, abundant with various types of crops, forest plants, and fruit trees. Notably, the poet prince Ahmed Fadl Al-Qumandan, along with other prominent figures from both the elite and the general populace, played a significant role in the early twentieth century in importing plants from abroad. They experimented with and cultivated these plants in the orchards of Al-Hussaini, Al-Sirikal, and Al-Jeel until they succeeded in adapting to the local environment."

The Closure of the Spinning Factory

Cotton cultivation was halted for 15 years due to the closure of the spinning and weaving factory, which led to the demolition and termination of the cotton gin in Lahj. Actually, this facility once met the clothing needs of the people of Lahj Governorate and provided significant economic returns to the local population. However, recent efforts to revive cotton cultivation have been initiated by the Al-Kud Research Center and the Ministry of Agriculture, with a focus on replanting long-fiber and medium-fiber cotton varieties.

Among the challenges facing farmers in Lahj, Abdulsalam, a farmer working in Al-Hussaini, shares with "Khuyut" that after purchasing a barren plot of land four years ago and rehabilitating it, he was surprised to find himself unable to transport and export his farm products. This setback is primarily due to the rising prices of diesel and gasoline, in addition to the fierce competition from products coming from other governorates.

Organization as a Solution to Challenges

Despite the deteriorating agricultural conditions in Lahj Governorate, farmer Saeed Mabrouk, who hails from Abyan Governorate, believes that agricultural work opportunities are still better compared to other governorates. In an interview with "Khuyut," Mabrouk stated that he has been working on farms in Al-Hussaini for four years. He added, "Labor opportunities in Lahj are better, especially after the cultivation of mangoes, guavas, and papayas, along with onions and sweet potatoes. The soil in Lahj is fertile and rewards those who take care of it. The failures of some projects are primarily linked to secondary challenges stemming from the general economic downturn and deficiencies."

Many farmers agree with Mabrouk's view and believe that seeking alternative solutions could help address some of the challenges they face. Among these solutions are drip irrigation to combat water scarcity, the establishment of multiple seed banks to preserve the genetic genes of crops of the various crops, and the organization of farming and agricultural practices in Al-Hussaini region. Further, they emphasize the importance of regulating the process of irrigation from seasonal floodwaters to ensure fairness among farmers.

“The Agriculture Office in the governorate has placed the responsibility for the current state of agricultural practices on the farmers themselves. The office attributes this situation to the farmers' lack of interest in local crops, as well as their preference for livestock feed and fodder crops, which they believe is more profitable than cultivating seeds.”

Passing the Buck for Deterioration

In an effort to understand the role of government entities in revitalizing rare crops in Lahj and the means to preserve the endangered varieties, "Khuyut" reached out to the Agriculture Office in the governorate. The office placed the responsibility for the current state of agricultural practices on the farmers themselves, attributing the situation to their lack of interest in local crops. Further, the office noted that farmers have shifted their focus toward growing livestock feed and fodder crops, which they believe is more profitable than cultivating seeds.

In an interview with "Khuyut," Engineer Ahmed Tayram, the Director of Planning at the Agriculture Office in the governorate, discussed the efforts being made to restore agriculture to its former glory and save endangered crops. He stated, "We have conducted several studies on re-establishing and reviving the cotton ginning facility and the tomato processing plant in the governorate. However, it is important to note that the state no longer owns farms as it did in the past; what remains is only the seed multiplication farm, which covers an area of 360 acres."

Tayram added, "We are currently working on the Sesame Component Project, which targets 400 sesame farmers, supported by the Social Fund for Development. The project focuses on farmlands in water-rich areas. Each farmer will receive support in the form of 10 kilograms of seeds, as well as tarpaulins—covers or barriers made of fabric or plastic—to protect and preserve the sesame crops. Furthermore, we will provide lemon oil and some spraying equipment, among other resources."

Tayram concluded by stating, "Recently, the Agriculture Office in Lahj has established two seed banks: one in the Al-Hawta District and the other in the Tuban District, along with an agricultural nursery. One of these banks serves the areas of Al-Anad, Zaidah, and Al-Shaq'ah, while the other caters to the city. Both banks are equipped with modern high-tech facilities to preserve and store seeds. A specialized committee has been formed for the buying and selling of seeds, allocating 20 kilograms of seeds to each farmer. According to him, this initiative aims to protect seeds from natural disasters and temperature fluctuations, encourage farmers to reclaim these crops at any time, and to promote mutual benefits while preserving the genetic traits of seeds ."