'Part of our agricultural identity'

Muthanna farmers maintain amber rice cultivation amid water shortages

2024-08-23 | 13:27

MUTHANNA— In the vast lands between Al-Rumaitha and Al-Warka districts in northeastern Muthanna governorate, the cultivation of amber rice, known for its aromatic quality, has long defined the region. Yet, water scarcity has slashed the cultivated area from 4,695 acres to just 1,235 acres this year.

Amber rice, planted in June and harvested in October, is cherished for its unique fragrance and often graces special occasions. It holds a significant place in Iraq’s agricultural heritage, with “amber” in the Iraqi dialect referring to any sweet-smelling scent.

Local farmers, in collaboration with the Mishkhab Rice Research Center in Najaf, have begun experimenting with new amber rice varieties locally known as Baraka, Jawhara, Furat, Dijla, and Ghari. Early trials of these strains have shown promising results.

Al-Mishkhab, often referred to as the City of Amber, spans 375 square kilometers and lies 30 kilometers south of Najaf city. The area’s fertile soil sustains agriculture as the primary livelihood for most residents.

“Our areas between Al-Warka and Al-Rumaitha are famous for cultivating amber rice, especially among the Al-Bu Hasan and Al-Dhawalim tribes. This crop is an essential part of our agricultural identity,” Abdul Ameer Owaiz, a local farmer, told 964media.

Due to directives from the Ministry of Agriculture aimed at preserving water, farmers were unable to plant rice for the past four years. This season, however, they resumed planting and tested the new varieties, which Owaiz said have all been successful.

Rahim Abdul Hussein, another farmer, highlighted the challenges, “We couldn’t plant rice in recent years due to the drought, and it was a difficult time because most of the locals depend on agriculture.”

He added that livestock faced the risk of extinction, and many residents migrated to cities in search of work. However, with the return of water allocations this year, locals have returned to their lands.

For the people in this region, rice cultivation is more than a crop; it is deeply embedded in their identity and culture, passed down through generations. Despite challenges and changes in their professional or educational lives, they remain committed to preserving this tradition, Abdul Hussein emphasized.

Elsewhere, farmers have dramatically increased amber rice cultivation 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.

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