Sowing season begins

Iraq’s famed amber rice sees significant increase in cultivation

NAJAF — Farmers have dramatically increased their cultivation of amber rice in Najaf to over 19,000 acres this year, rebounding from last year’s severe restrictions that limited planting to just 778 acres due to drought and water shortages. Highly valued for its unique taste and unmatched aroma, this crop is in great demand in Gulf markets.​

Amber rice, planted in June and harvested in October, is celebrated for its distinctive fragrance and is often served during special occasions. It is considered an essential part of Iraq’s agricultural heritage, with “amber” in the Iraqi dialect signifying any sweet-smelling scent.

The resurgence of amber rice cultivation is particularly notable in Al-Mashkhab district, the capital of amber rice, where this practice is a crucial part of local identity. However, the ongoing impacts of climate change pose new challenges, threatening not only the crop but also the farmers’ livelihoods and traditional way of life.

The Iraq Ministry of Agriculture’s agricultural plan, initiated on June 20, has facilitated the current planting season. Farmers with river-adjacent lands began promptly and have recently completed the second irrigation cycle. Continuous irrigation is planned until the October harvest. Meanwhile, those with fields further inland were initially hesitant to plant until they could confirm water availability, leading to varied growth stages among the crops in Al-Mishkhab.

Al-Mishkhab, also known as the City of Amber, spans 375 square kilometers and is located 30 kilometers south of Najaf city. The area is known for its fertile soil, making agriculture the primary occupation for most residents.

This year, some farmers started plowing, sowing seeds, and flooding their fields even before the official approval of the agricultural plan on June 1, confident of their inclusion. Others waited until the plan’s implementation on June 20 to ensure the arrival of water through the rationing system. This has led to a third group, located far from the riverbanks, opting not to plant at all and instead seeking financial compensation, which is occasionally granted.

Mohsen Abdul Amir, President of the Agricultural Associations, emphasized the importance of adhering to approved water allocations. “As agricultural associations in the governorate, our role is limited to encouraging farmers not to encroach on the water shares approved by the provincial agricultural committee and the Najaf Irrigation Directorate, in cooperation with the Najaf Irrigation Department staff,” Amir told 964media.

He further explained, “There are encroachments by some farmers due to decisions by administrative units and the agricultural committee excluding them from land cultivation and compensation, as well as from any agricultural entitlements regarding fertilizers and pesticides.”

Overall, Iraq has dedicated about around 37,000 acres to its prized amber rice this year across places like Najaf and Diwaniyah.