60% drop in production
Agriculture in Abu Ghraib suffers after May rains, June heatwave
BAGHDAD — Agricultural production in Abu Ghraib, west of Baghdad, has decreased by approximately 60% this year, with watermelon and melon crops particularly affected, according to a member of the local farming community. The region, known for its fertile land allowing for two harvest seasons, is facing significant challenges.
Kamel Al-Zobaie, a member of the Baghdad Farmers’ Union, stated that government support has significantly declined. He pointed out that the May rains and June heat have alternated in damaging the crops, affecting fields in western Radwaniyah, Saadan, Dweiliba, Zaidan, Anaz, and Kroushiyin, as well as parts of Akkarkuf and Hamdaniya.
“The production this season is much less than last season because farmers are abandoning their profession due to several reasons, including diseases and the lack of government support for all crops, not just watermelon and melon,” Al-Zobaie told 964media.
Government support for agricultural crops used to cover 70% of costs, including pesticides, fertilizers, and seeds. “The current support is minimal, forcing farmers to rely on themselves amidst marketing difficulties. Opening borders to imported crops each season prompts farmers to reduce or abandon their cultivated areas to avoid losses,” he added. This season, cultivated areas are only 60% of last year’s.
The harvest season begins at the end of May and lasts for three months. Areas around Baghdad, Abu Ghraib, Yusufiyah, and Radwaniyah are known for growing watermelon and melon due to the fertile soil. “Normally, each dunam (0.25 acre) yields 4 to 8 tons, but this season’s yield was less than 4 tons due to weather conditions, diseases, and a lack of pesticides,” Al-Zobaie elaborated.
Ahmed Hussein, a farmer, told 964media, “Prices are reasonable for customers but there are not enough profits for farmers.”
He added, “Our crops were affected by weather conditions, and we have no support in terms of seeds, fertilizers, or pesticides, all of which are expensive. Water issues have become constant; every summer, water is reduced or completely cut off, forcing some to resort to wells.”
Laith Salem, an agricultural supplier, said, “This season’s prices are fair even for farmers, but production is much lower than last year. The rain in May and the intense heat in June harmed the crops.
“There is a lack of support for watermelon and melon cultivation, including pest control. Water shortages have also led to lower yields compared to last season, and other crops have become nearly non-existent, with few farmers planting them.”