Green olive harvest comes early in Haditha amid unprecedented heatwave

ANBAR, August 15 — The green olive harvest in Anbar’s Haditha district has come early this year amid an unprecedented heatwave, leaving farmers no choice but to bring their yields to the market ahead of schedule.

Olives are ripening prematurely due to high summer temperatures and making their appearances in bazars well before their usual appearance in early September.

Muthanna Al-Muadhidi, owner of an olive grove, told 964: “The usual timing for olives ripening is the beginning of September, but this year they are ripening early due to the hot weather.”

“Most local crops this season arrived before schedule and at lower prices compared to previous years,” he said. “The price per kilogram ranges from 1,250 to 1,500 Iraqi dinars and is expected to gradually decrease. Last year, the price per kilogram reached 2,000 dinars.”

Farmer Abdullah Al-Hadithi said: “We expect this season to yield a higher production compared to previous years. Olives will be available in the markets, and olive oil will follow shortly after.”