Lebanon is a significant regional producer of potatoes, with cultivation concentrated primarily in two key agro-ecological zones: the Bekaa Valley and the Akkar Plain. The Bekaa Valley, situated at an elevation of 900–1,000 meters, accounts for approximately 65–70% of the country’s total potato production and supports two cropping cycles annually—spring (planted February–March, harvested June–July) and late/autumn (planted July–August, harvested October–November). It features fertile red and alluvial soils and relies on channel-based irrigation systems. The Akkar Plain in northern Lebanon contributes around 25–30% of the national production and is notable for its early-season harvests (planted December–January, harvested April–June), supported primarily by rain-fed or supplemental irrigation. Minor production is also observed in Mount Lebanon and coastal areas, where potatoes are often intercropped with fruits and vegetables on fertile red soils. Lebanon's cropping calendar enables a near year-round supply, enhancing market stability and export potential.
Commonly cultivated varieties include Spunta and Agria, widely used for both fresh consumption and processing. Other varieties, such as Everest, Fabula, and Maverick, valued for their high yield potential (up to 60 t/ha), storability, and dual-purpose application are also grown. Industrial varieties like Arizona, Agria, and Amandine are cultivated in regions such as the Bekaa for processing purposes. According to FAO data from 2023, Lebanon’s total potato production reached approximately 659,587.67 metric tons, underscoring its established role in regional potato supply chains.
Potato cultivation in Lebanon has a relatively modern yet significant history, emerging as an important agricultural sector by the mid-20th century. Although the exact timeline of the crop’s introduction remains undocumented, Lebanon had already established itself as a notable regional producer by the 1960s, largely relying on high-quality seed potatoes imported from Western countries such as the Netherlands. By the 1970s, annual potato production reached approximately 100,000 metric tons, with around 60% exported to markets in Arab countries, the United Kingdom, and Brazil, underscoring the crop’s growing economic importance. However, the outbreak of the Lebanese Civil War in the mid-1970s led to a significant disruption in agricultural activities, causing potato output to plummet to nearly 30,000 metric tons in 1976. Despite these challenges, the sector demonstrated strong resilience, with production rebounding significantly in the following decades. Between 2003 and 2013, Lebanon recorded an average annual production of approximately 435,000 metric tons, and by 2021, output had surpassed 659,000 metric tons, reaffirming the country’s position as a key potato producer in the region.
Agricultural Statistics for lebanon
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