Making a comeback
Iraq’s palm tree population exceeds 22 million
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s palm tree count has risen to more than 22 million, reflecting an increase of 5 million palms over the past three years, Mohammed Al-Khuzai, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, said. This growth moves the nation closer to restoring its historical high of 30 million palm trees.
Iraq boasts over 650 date varieties, with the Zahidi type leading in exports due to its affordability and demand, Al-Khuzai noted.
Statistics from Iraq’s Central Bureau of Statistics in 2021 show total date production was 750,225 tons, with the Zahidi variety comprising 404,729 tons. Baghdad was the leading producer with 122.6 thousand tons, followed by Babil with 120.2 thousand tons, and Karbala with 91 thousand tons. Notably, Basra – which was once renowned for its dates – did not make the top three.
“The ministry’s significant investments in palm cultivation have started to yield results, enhancing our tree count. With ongoing projects and government support, reaching the 30 million palm milestone again is within sight,” Al-Khuzai told 964media.
From a low of 10 million, Iraq’s palm numbers have recovered notably due to the adoption of modern irrigation techniques, including more efficient sprinklers.
Iraq’s date palm population has dramatically declined from its peak due to several factors, including extensive war-related damage, environmental challenges like increased soil salinity and drought, urbanization pressures, and agricultural diseases. Conflicts have directly led to the destruction of palm groves, while environmental mismanagement has exacerbated conditions unsuitable for date cultivation. Economic shifts have also encouraged the repurposing of agricultural land, further reducing palm numbers.
“The current project of the Ministry of Agriculture uses centre-pivot irrigation systems, with contracts for approximately 12,000 sprinklers valued at 835 billion dinars ($637,105,000). This substantial investment marks a significant move towards modernizing our irrigation practices,” the spokesperson added.
Iraq is also diversifying its date varieties, importing new types such as medjool, Deglet Noor, and Khalas from neighboring countries to meet local demand, alongside traditional varieties like Khistawi, Qernfli, Bream, Barhi, Tabarzil, Maktoum, and Ashrasi.
“The future looks bright for Iraq’s dates and palm trees with the recent upsurge in tree numbers and continuous investments in this sector,” Al-Khuzai concluded.