IRAQ – Iraq, one of the world’s top 10 importers of rice and wheat, has resumed rice cultivation after a two-year hiatus caused by severe water scarcity.
Mahdi Sahar Al-Jubouri, Deputy Minister of Agriculture revealed that Iraq has allocated 150 square kilometers (58 square miles) for rice cultivation this season, with an expected yield of 150,000 tons.
The revival of rice farming is attributed to heavy winter rainfall and the promise of increased water flows from Turkiye.
The previous two-year ban restricted rice planting to just 5 to 10 square kilometers annually, solely for seed extraction. The ban was necessitated by a water crisis exacerbated by upstream dams in Turkiye and Iran, reduced rainfall, and climate change factors.
Iraq relies heavily on these imports to support a large food rationing program established during Saddam Hussein’s regime.
Historically, Iraq was a significant producer and exporter of rice, wheat, barley, and dates. However, issues such as soil salinity, poor irrigation, drought, and prolonged conflict have severely impacted its agricultural output.
Despite the resumption of rice farming, Iraq will still need to import approximately 1.25 million tons of rice this year to meet domestic demand, the same volume as last year, according to grain board officials.
Rice farming in Iraq typically begins in June and concludes with a harvest in November. The popular Amber rice, known for its aroma and flavor, is one of several varieties grown.
Scientists develop a hybrid strain of rice
In a bid to modernize and conserve water, Iraqi agricultural scientists have developed a new hybrid strain named Ghiri.
This hybrid, a cross between Amber and Jasmine varieties, can be cultivated using fixed sprayers instead of the traditional flooding method. The Ghiri strain is being tested on a small scale this season, following successful trials at the Al-Mishkhab Research Station last year.
Al-Jubouri highlighted plans to expand Ghiri cultivation in future seasons. The government aims to transition from traditional irrigation, which involves flooding the crops, to more efficient methods like fixed irrigation systems and mechanical seeders.
Farmers who adopt these modern techniques will receive incentives, such as higher prices, similar to those offered for wheat production.
For the 2024 season, rice farming has been permitted in five provinces: Najaf, Diwaniyah, Muthanna, Dhi Qar, and Babel.
Najaf province, which has received the largest share, has planted approximately 80 square kilometers of agricultural land, representing about 37 percent of the total allocated area across Iraq. Varieties planted include Amber, Jasmine, and Euphrates rice.
According to Muhsin Abdul Ameer, head of the farmers’ association in Najaf province, the planting season commenced in mid-June and has now concluded.
Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.
