The Syrian Sovereign Wealth Fund and “Iktifa” Company Demand a Share of Crops from Jandairis Farmers in Exchange for Continued Cultivation of Agricultural Lands

The “Syrian Sovereign Wealth Fund,” in cooperation with “Iktifa” company, has demanded that several agricultural landowners in the Jandairis sub-district of the Afrin countryside sign new investment contracts. According to information obtained by the “Afrin Now” network from local sources, these contracts require deducting a percentage of the agricultural harvest in exchange for allowing farmers to continue cultivating their lands.

According to the sources, the new contracts mandate a 35% deduction from the annual harvest in exchange for permitting farmers to carry on with their work, in addition to imposing rental fees on commercial and industrial buildings and structures erected on these lands.

The lands in question cover vast areas extending along the road connecting the villages of Hajilar (Hecîler) and Tal Salur (Til Silorê). These lands have been held by the local population for several decades, during which they paid symbolic annual amounts to the state in exchange for their investment. Over the years, the residents reclaimed the land—which was previously uncultivated—and planted it with olive trees and various crops.

The new measures also target other lands, particularly north of the village of Hajilar (Hecîler), classified as “state property.” These lands had previously been distributed to the residents under the Agricultural Reform Law, which granted them investment rights.

It is noted that “Iktifa” company, which serves as an investment arm for the current authority in the agricultural sector, faces widespread criticism according to human rights reports and journalistic investigations. These investigations report the company’s involvement in seizing large areas of agricultural land and assets without clear legal documentation or financial transparency showing the fate of its revenues, with a focus on real estate previously belonging to figures associated with the former regime.

Related reports also point to confiscations targeting properties belonging to citizens, as occurred in the village of “Arza” in the Hama countryside, amid accusations of sectarian-motivated violations and infringements on individual property rights.

Doubts center on the dual role and conflict of interest surrounding the Minister of Agriculture, Basel Suweidan (known as “Abu Hamza Qasioun”). He previously directed “Iktifa” company while simultaneously holding leadership positions in the agricultural sector, in addition to his prior administrative background in the “Ghanayim (Spoils) Office” affiliated with Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham during its control over the Idlib region.

Note: This text is translated from the original Arabic version… Read the Arabic version: Click here