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Outside the countryside by Hama, wheat fields are expected to be golden and full with crops.

However, Maher Haddad's land remains dry, generating merely a third of its normal output.

"This year proved devastating due to the lack of rain," stated the experienced farmer.

The acres produced merely 190kg per unit—well under the 400-500kg seen in a good season.

"{We lost what we spent; we've faced losses. There's no way to finance next year's planting," he added.

Having two teenage children to provide for, he is seeking assistance from kin to survive.

National Emergency

The hardship is seen across Syria, where the worst rain shortage in 36 years has reduced agricultural output by a significant portion.

An anticipated wheat shortfall of over two and a half million tonnes is expected this year—enough to feed the annual dietary needs of over 16 million individuals.

Rising Hunger

Lacking increased assistance or the ability to bring in wheat, the situation may deteriorate significantly.

Over millions of people—nearly the majority of the population—already face difficulties to get sufficient food.

Of these, millions experience serious malnutrition, including a significant number in critical situations.

Water levels has fallen by almost 70%, damaging 75% of non-irrigated farmland.

"It represents the difference between people being able to stay in their villages or needing to leave," stated an expert.

Daily Struggles

Agricultural households are selling animals to supplement diminished incomes, reducing their meals.

Hunger-related issues rates among young ones and expectant mothers are growing.

Crops is a essential commodity in Syria, essential for bread and traditional dishes—affordable foods that are now rising in cost.

In the case of a mother who is 39, affording staples has become increasingly challenging.

Having several dependents, she depends on her older sons' income, which do not cover basic needs.

"At times we borrow funds only to purchase food," she said.

Earlier, a portion of bread was priced at 500 money, but today it is four thousand five hundred.

To feed her household, she requires multiple bags a day—a financial burden of nine thousand currency units, not including other items.

National and Global Efforts

This situation poses a significant problem for the leadership, which is striving to restore the country after over a decade of unrest.

Support organizations are offering financial help for those at risk, but officials caution that these are short-term fixes.

"The goal is to keep agricultural workers in the farming field," commented a representative.

Direct payments have been distributed to agricultural families who suffered all of their harvest.

However, after over a decade of war, Syria's agricultural system was already weakened by economic collapse, damaged water systems, and unsafe land.

Resource Shortage

In key agricultural areas, crop land must have numerous irrigation sessions per growing period, but because of shortage of rain, most cultivators find it impossible to sustain.

"The agricultural worker's first challenge is obtaining resources," explained a local agriculture director.

Water depends on fuel, and fuel prices have skyrocketed dramatically, reaching 11,000 to 12,000 currency per litre.

Soaring fuel prices and frequent interruptions have left irrigation systems out of reach for numerous agriculturalists.

Long-Term Solutions

One priority for the government is developing water systems—including eco-friendly irrigation systems—to provide water more accessible.

However such projects need time and money—options that wheat farmers cannot access currently.

So, for many people around the nation, there is just one hope to count on in the upcoming season: hope for rainfall.