Agricultural Supplies in Lebanon: Seeds, Fertilizers, and Irrigation
AdvisorLB Team
Lebanese agriculture spans the Bekaa Valley, Akkar plain, Mount Lebanon terraces, and South Lebanon citrus belts. Each zone has its own supplier network, but most farmers buy from a mix of regional agro-shops and direct importers in Beirut's Sin El Fil and Bekaa's Zahle.
Seeds and saplings
- Vegetable seeds: Dutch, French, and Israeli (via re-export) hybrids dominate — tomato, cucumber, pepper, lettuce.
- Potato seed: certified Dutch tubers, sold by the 25 kg bag in Bekaa cooperatives.
- Fruit saplings: apple, cherry, peach for Bekaa; olive, almond, citrus for the coast.
- Local heirloom seeds: SeedBank Lebanon and Buzuruna Juzuruna preserve regional varieties.
Fertilizers and amendments
- NPK compounds: 20-20-20, 15-15-15, or crop-specific blends.
- Urea, ammonium nitrate, potassium sulfate: bulk imports from Russia, Egypt, or Saudi.
- Compost and manure: from local poultry farms and dairy operations.
- Foliar micronutrients: iron, zinc, boron sprays.
Irrigation systems
- Drip irrigation kits (Netafim, Rivulis, Plastro) are standard for tomato and cucumber.
- Sprinkler systems for potato and grain.
- Solar pumps now widespread due to electricity shortages.
- Greenhouse plastic and mulch films sold by the roll.
Regulations to know
- Pesticide use restricted to Ministry-approved active ingredients.
- Imported seeds must carry phytosanitary certificates.
- Cooperative membership unlocks discounts and government subsidies.