Regie officials report 80% tobacco crop loss in Lebanon

Nassif Saqlawi, Director General of the Lebanese Tobacco Monopoly (Regie), met with Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri to discuss the severe impact of Israeli military actions on the tobacco sector. Saqlawi reported that more than 80% of the tobacco crop was not planted due to the displacement of thousands of farmers from key agricultural hubs such as Ayta al-Shaab, Aitaroun, Mays al-Jabal, and others.

While the Bekaa and Akkar regions are expected to see near-complete or full harvests, the conflict has caused significant human and economic loss. Saqlawi noted that 38 tobacco farmers have been killed during the conflict. The Regie administration expressed its commitment to supporting both those who managed to harvest crops despite the hostilities and those who were unable to plant due to displacement.