As part of efforts to revitalize the agricultural sector and support local farmers, the “Bayadir Al-Khair” irrigation project was launched from the cultural center in Safira, located in the eastern countryside of Aleppo. The initiative, implemented by the Bunian humanitarian organization in collaboration with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief), aims to restore productivity to farmlands across several villages in the region.
Aleppo Governor Engineer Azzam al-Ghareeb said the launch followed a dialogue session with residents to gather their views and suggestions. The project, he explained, focuses on agricultural reform and strengthening rural livelihoods, particularly in areas where farming remains vital to the local economy.
A Twelve-Month Plan for Reviving Farmlands
Project manager Farhan al-Owais explained that the initiative primarily targets Safira and nearby villages in southeastern Aleppo. Its main objective is to enhance food security and self-sufficiency through a comprehensive wheat production chain encompassing irrigation, planting, harvesting, and seed improvement.
According to Bunian Executive Director Malik Istanbouli, the project carries a total budget of $980,000 and is expected to directly support 2,750 families, while indirectly benefiting over half a million residents in northern Syria.
Operations Manager Muhammad Sanda noted that the project includes three main components. The first involves rehabilitating the irrigation and drainage networks across the targeted agricultural lands. The second focuses on supporting seed multiplication centers to improve the quality of local wheat. The third aims to strengthen agricultural advisory services and promote mechanization, providing farmers with better tools and technical training to increase efficiency.
Local resident Abdulqadir Rahim described the project as a new seed of hope for the region’s farmers and said he expects it to bring tangible improvements to agricultural life and family livelihoods in the area.
Part of Broader Saudi Development Efforts
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has recently expanded its support for Syrian communities, launching a series of humanitarian and development projects across multiple governorates since early September. These initiatives focus on improving infrastructure, enhancing food security, and supporting agricultural sustainability in regions most affected by years of conflict and instability.
The Bayadir Al-Khair project, in particular, reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Syrian agriculture and supporting the resilience of rural communities. Through this and similar initiatives, Saudi Arabia aims to enhance humanitarian cooperation, foster development, and help stabilize local economies across Syria.
Organizers emphasized that agriculture remains central to Syria’s recovery and that rebuilding irrigation systems is essential for achieving sustainable food production and long-term economic stability.
