Subsidized for farmers
Iraq’s agriculture ministry to allocate 12,000 sprinkler irrigation systems
BAGHDAD — The Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture announced Saturday it has allocated 835 billion Iraqi dinars (approximately $637 million) for the purchase of 12,000 new water sprinkler irrigation systems to irrigate about 247,104 acres of farmland.
These systems, intended to support wheat cultivation on arid land totaling nearly a million acres, will be sold to farmers at a subsidized cost, with the government covering up to 40% of the price with payment spread over ten years.
Mohammad Al-Khuzai, spokesperson for the ministry, detailed the year’s procurement strategy to the Iraqi News Agency: “For 2024, the ministry has agreements with several local and international firms for the acquisition of these systems,” aimed at enhancing agricultural output on desert tracts.
Al-Khuzai also highlighted the progress in irrigation aid since 2003, noting a significant increase in support: “While 1,400 sprinklers were distributed since 2003, this year we are set to distribute ten times that number.”