ALTERNATIVES TO DRUG CROPS DISCUSSED

A delegation of Baalbek-Hermel officials on Friday discussed with
former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri the production of fruit and
vegetables as an alternative to drug crops.

According to the head of the Substitute Cultures Program, Hassan
Makhlouf, the project is aimed at producing quality fruit and
vegetables such as jojoba, caper buds, nuts and other commercially
viable crops. The scheme is designed to encourage the impoverished
farmers of Baalbek-Hermel to stop growing drug crops such as poppies
and cannabis.

The program, sponsored by the Internal Security Forces
Directorate-General, should help revive the Bekaa's agricultural
sector. The Bekaa-Hermel area has been a heavy burden on the state,
economically and socially, due to the deterioration of product prices
and the fact that farmers have been unable to sell their crops.
Cannabis growing is reported to have increased in the region as a
result. Makhlouf said he hoped the project would receive enough
support to be a successful solution to the problem. Hariri, who was
in office when the project began, said the next Agriculture Ministry
budget should include additional funds for continuous agricultural
projects in all areas.