Mulberry harvest begins in Najaf’s ‘City of Amber’

NAJAF — The orchards of Al-Mishkhab district in Najaf have started the annual mulberry harvest, marking the beginning of the season April 1, which lasts several weeks. Known for their aromatic and natural flavors, these fruits are a local hallmark of spring.

Al-Mishkhab, also known as the City of Amber, is a district within the Najaf governorate, covering 375 square kilometers. Located 30 kilometers south of Najaf city, the area is noted for its fertile soil, with agriculture as the main occupation for most residents.

964media toured a mulberry farm with farmer Hassan Al-Aboudi, who shared insights into the cultivation and harvesting of the berries.

Mulberry farms are scattered across various regions of Najaf governorate, including Al-Dibiniyah, Al-Mijheelah, Al-Hasaniah, Rak Al-Haswah, Abu Zahab, and Al-Qadisiyah, all near the Euphrates River.

The district is surrounded by expansive rice fields and palm orchards. The Al-Mishkhab River, a tributary of the Euphrates, runs more than 25 kilometers through the area, enriching the land and supporting the diverse agricultural practices that sustain the local economy and cultural heritage.

Al-Aboudi told 964media, “We buy mulberry seeds from local markets, and it takes three years for them to mature enough to bear fruit. The plants require well-mixed soil and minimal watering, once or twice a week. We plant them either in February or September.”

The fruits begin to ripen April 1 and usually dry out by the end of the month. “The oval-shaped mulberries start off yellow and turn black when ripe, while the elongated variety begins green and shifts to dark red upon maturity. I cultivate both types in my orchard,” Al-Aboudi said.

He added, “I grow enough for myself and my relatives, staying away from commercial marketing. I am working on developing the orchard to increase production in the future.”