Farmers in Al-Mashkhab express concerns over water disputes in Najaf

NAJAF, September 2 — Farmers in Al-Mashkhab are upset over violations to a delicate agricultural plan in the area and have warned of potential disputes between the parties involved. Meanwhile, security authorities have announced the arrest of seven violators.

The agricultural plan in Najaf designated 3,000 acres for the cultivation of barley, with Al-Mashkhab receiving a share of 1,600 acres along  the riverbanks. However, some farmers’ have land far from the river, not covered by the agricultural plan, and have been siphoning water from the Al-Mashkhab River through irregular channels, leading to a reduction in water allocations for lands designated for barley cultivation.

Areas included in the cultivation of barley extend along the course of the Al-Mashkhab River, passing through Al-Dubainiyah and Al-Mujaihila, and observers have noted violations in areas such as Abu Zahab and Shalal.

Mohammed Al-Shammari, a farmer interviewed by 964, stated: “My land is included in the agricultural plan, but due to violations by some farmers on water allocations, the water reaching the barley farms has become scarce. We call on the government to intervene and resolve the issue before disputes arise between landowners included and not included in the agricultural plan for this year.”

A security source told 964: “Any farmer proven to have violated the agricultural plan and water allocations will face imprisonment. The pursuit of violators continues, and so far, seven non-compliant farmers have been arrested, and they were released after giving written commitments not to cultivate outside the government plan.”