Kobanê- Olives are the main source of income for the people of Kobanê, North and East Syria. This year, the quantity of olives has decreased due to the lack of rainfall and high temperature. This situation also affects the economy of the people in the region. According to the official statistics, the number of olive trees in the region is approximately one million and 635. The olive harvesting time starts for the people of Kobanê every year in October. However, the quantity of olives is very low this year.

“The quantitative of olives is very low this year”

Amina Ahmed, 70, is an olive farmer in the Zarafik village of the Kobanê Canton. She told us that she has 950 olive trees older than 30. Speaking about the growth and harvesting steps of trees, Amina Ahmed said, “There are several steps in growing olive trees after planting the seeds. Spraying is needed to protect olive trees from pests and diseases. Women harvest olives every year in October. Due to this year’s rainfall shortage, the quantity of olives is very low this year.”

“High temperature causes disappointment”

Olive farmer Malika İbrahim also complained about the lack of rainfall. “This year, we did not have the quantity that we expected. We are disappointed by the lack of rainfall and the high temperature causing the drought. The lack of rainfall and drought negatively affected olive farming. Harvesting olives is very hard work because olive is an agricultural product that requires time and attention,” she told us.

Harvesting period is very busy period for women

Indicating that women are very busy during the olive harvesting period, Malika İbrahim said, “After harvesting olives, women begin to crush olives, make olive oil and store olives. Women store olives after they brine olives. They put olives in the sunshine for two days and then add lemon, salt and olive oil.”