BEIRUT, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's ongoing war has cost the agricultural sector more than 530 million U.S. dollars in losses, with direct damage exceeding 41 million dollars, according to figures cited by the Agriculture Ministry on Thursday.
Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani warned of the "deep and unprecedented repercussions" of the conflict on the country's agricultural sector and food security during a panel discussion in Beirut on the impact of the war on agricultural, food and environmental security, local Elnashra news website reported.
Hani said the conflict had displaced thousands of farmers, caused heavy livestock losses, and destroyed agricultural infrastructure across several regions. More than 56,000 hectares, around 22.5 percent of Lebanon's total agricultural area, have been directly affected by the war, he added, citing a report published earlier this month.
He also warned that around 1.24 million people are expected to face acute food insecurity, with the percentage of people requiring food assistance rising to 24 percent.
He stressed that agriculture is "not a marginal sector, but a pillar of national resilience and food security to protect both the land and the people." ■
