Rescue efforts underway

Tuz Khurmatu’s last date orchard struggles as disease threatens local industry

2024-08-21 | 23:10

TUZ KHURMATU — Once a hub for date production in Salah Al-Din governorate, Tuz Khurmatu now faces the near extinction of its date industry, with only one orchard remaining in the district. This last orchard is battling a destructive disease that threatens to wipe out its few remaining trees.

Hazem Arab, the owner of the orchard, described the dire situation. “For some time now, a disease has emerged in my orchard, causing the date trees to crack, dry up, and eventually collapse,” Arab told 964media. Despite applying various treatments, he said the disease continues to spread, rendering the dates inedible and discolored

Arab noted that he has repeatedly contacted the relevant authorities, including the Directorate of Agriculture in Tuz Khurmatu, but has not received any assistance. “If this disease is not addressed, there will be no date trees left in Khurmatu within the next two years,” he warned.

Ali Jalal, director of agriculture in Tuz Khurmatu, acknowledged the issue but said they are still working to identify the disease. “We don’t yet know the exact type of disease or how to treat it, but we have sent a report to the Public Protection Department in Salah Al-Din Agriculture. A committee of agricultural protection engineers will visit Khurmatu next Monday to identify and address the disease affecting the district’s date trees,” Jalal told 964media.

While the situation in Tuz Khurmatu remains bleak, Iraq’s overall palm tree count has been on the rise. The country now has more than 22 million palm trees, an increase of 5 million over the past three years. This growth brings Iraq closer to its historical high of 30 million palm trees. Iraq, known for over 650 varieties of dates, continues to see strong export demand, particularly for the Zahidi variety, valued for its affordability.