Wheat farmers in Al-Jouf vow to escalate protests until they receive their payments.
Wheat Farmers in Al-Jawf Commit to Ongoing Protest
Wheat farmers from Al-Jawf province have pledged to continue their open-ended protest outside the Ministry of Agriculture in Sana’a. They demand the payment of overdue financial dues that have remained unpaid for months. The Houthi Grain Foundation has seized their entire wheat harvest without compensation.
Rejection of Houthi Mediation
On Friday, protester Mohammed bin Yahya Al-Waisi stated that they reject the mediations offered by the Houthi Ministry of Agriculture and the Grain Foundation. He emphasized that these mediations “do not address the wrongdoers or those who steal rights,” highlighting their frustration with the situation.
Houthi Seizure of Harvest
In April, the Houthi Grain Foundation, a newly established entity, took possession of the entire wheat harvest from Al-Jawf farmers. This action prevented farmers from selling their crops directly in the market, leading to significant financial losses. Many farmers rely on this harvest as their primary source of income.
In recent weeks, the Houthi Foundation and Ministry of Agriculture have made multiple agreements with farmers, promising to lift the protests in exchange for payment of their dues. However, the Houthis have failed to honor these agreements, the latest being a deal made last week, according to the protesters.
Farmers’ Demands and Continued Protest
Farmers assert they will not return to Al-Jawf until they receive payment for their crops. They also indicated they would refrain from planting wheat as long as the Houthis continue their restrictive practices that hinder free trade. Additionally, the group imposes intermediary institutions that compel farmers to sell their products without receiving payment.
This escalation occurs amid a Houthi policy aimed at restructuring the agricultural market through a series of imposed institutions and associations. This strategy restricts farmers’ ability to market their products freely, exacerbating the suffering of thousands of families dependent on agriculture in Al-Jawf province.
The situation remains tense as farmers stand firm in their demands, seeking justice and fair compensation for their hard work.
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