This year’s cumin season in the countryside of al-Hasakah, northeastern Syria, has seen a marked improvement, driven by rainfall over recent weeks. The rain has had a positive impact on crop growth and increased farmers’ optimism for what they describe as a “successful” season, after years of hesitation to plant cumin because of climate fluctuations and growing risks.
Cumin is one of the aromatic and medicinal crops that began to be cultivated in Syria’s Jazira region around 15 years ago, first in Amuda, al-Darbasiyah, and Ras al-Ain, before gradually spreading over the past decade to the southern countryside of al-Hasakah. The shift was driven by the decline of traditional crops, especially after the Khabur River dried up, and by farmers turning to crops that consume less water and offer better economic returns.
Crucial rainfall saves the season
Farmer Ahmad al-Khalaf, from the village of Taban in southern al-Hasakah countryside, told Enab Baladi that the current season had a “worrying” start because of weak rainfall, before conditions changed with the latest downpours.
He said the plant remained under the soil for some time without clear growth, but the rainfall that came at the right time helped it germinate well, adding that conditions are now much better and the crop looks promising in terms of yield.
He pointed out that cumin remains a sensitive crop, as a farmer can lose the entire season if the plant is exposed to frost, hail, or strong winds. These risks, he added, make its cultivation a gamble despite its potential profits.
Wider cultivation and larger planted areas
Farmer Mohammad al-Ali, from the village of al-Haddajah in southern al-Hasakah countryside, said cumin cultivation has gradually expanded in recent years, especially in areas that previously depended on irrigation from the Khabur River.
He added that many farmers have turned to cumin as an alternative to wheat and barley on some land because of its lower water consumption. Cumin, he said, can be grown either rain-fed or irrigated, and irrigated cumin needs only two rounds of watering, making it suitable under current conditions.
He noted that the cost of cultivating one dunum of rain-fed land ranges between $8 and $10, which is relatively affordable. A dunum requires two to three kilograms of seeds, he said, and the price of one kilogram of seeds reached about $3 this year, with expectations that it may rise during the season.
Delicate stages of cultivation
Cumin cultivation goes through several precise stages, beginning with sowing, either in early February for rain-fed crops or in November for irrigated ones. This is followed by the weeding stage, when weeds, wheat, or barley that may grow among the cumin plants are removed to prevent them from affecting production.
According to farmers, the plant’s life cycle lasts about 90 days. During this period, the seeds remain under the soil for around 40 days before they begin to grow, then need about 50 more days to become ready for harvest.
At harvest time, the plant is uprooted manually, then left to dry before being threshed using machines designed to separate the grains. The process requires effort and time, but it is necessary to preserve crop quality.
Farmers prefer to plant cumin in land where it has not been cultivated for years, to avoid disease and ensure higher productivity.
Expert view: a highly sensitive crop
Agricultural engineer Khaled al-Hassan told Enab Baladi that cumin is among the crops that require precise climatic conditions, making it vulnerable to loss if sudden changes occur.
He said cumin is heavily affected by drought, while frost or hail can completely damage the plant. Strong winds during some growth stages can also weaken production.
He explained that improved rainfall this year directly contributed to the season’s success, but warned that continued climate instability remains a major challenge to the crop’s sustainability in the region.
Exports will determine prices
At the market level, traders believe cumin prices this season will depend mainly on whether exports abroad become possible, as was the case in previous years.
Trader Youssef al-Ahmad said the purchase price of one kilogram of cumin could exceed $5 if exports are allowed, and could climb to as much as $20, depending on foreign demand and product quality.
He added that farmers are closely watching the market, because selling the crop locally does not generate the same profits as export. Any decision related to exports, he said, will directly affect prices.
Between opportunity and risk
Despite the positive signs, cumin is still considered a high-risk crop in al-Hasakah countryside because of its strong sensitivity to weather conditions, which makes some farmers hesitant to expand its cultivation.
Others, however, believe that its success in good seasons makes it an attractive option, especially given its lower costs compared with other crops and the possibility of generating high profits if prices improve.
With better rainfall this year, farmers hope the current cumin season will mark a turning point in establishing it as a main crop in the region, especially if this is accompanied by the opening of external markets that can absorb production at suitable prices.
The future of the crop remains tied to two key factors, stable climatic conditions and effective marketing channels, both of which are essential to reducing risk and improving its economic viability for farmers in al-Hasakah countryside.
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