HODEIDAH — Farmers in Yemen’s Tihama region of Hodeidah province have been barred from harvesting their mango crops without prior authorization from Houthi militia authorities, in a move reminiscent of the Imamate’s rule more than six decades ago.

Local sources reported that the Houthis have tied farmers’ livelihoods to official permits, forcing them to wait for militia-approved schedules before reaping their fruit. 

The decision is seen as a financial extortion tactic, as the group seeks to impose its own assessments of zakat (religious tax) on the harvest.

Agricultural experts warn that delaying the harvest threatens to spoil large portions of the mango crop, leading to severe losses for farmers and undermining food security. 

The measure has sparked outrage among rural communities, who accuse the Houthis of weaponizing agriculture to tighten their control and extract revenue.