Whitefly infestation hits okra production in Anbar’s Hit

ANBAR — In Hit, a district in western Iraq’s Anbar Governorate, a severe whitefly infestation has drastically reduced okra production, causing significant distress among local farmers. In the village of Suwaib, east of Hit, okra yields have plummeted from an average of 30 kilograms to just 7 kilograms per farm every three days.

Whiteflies are small, winged insects that feed on the undersides of plant leaves, extracting nutrients and often transmitting harmful plant viruses in the process.

Nasar Yusuf, a farmer in the area, shared his struggles with the current season’s challenges. “The ‘Batra’ variety, which is the only type we cultivate here and is preferred by locals, has been severely affected. Other varieties like Hassnawi and Halqoumi are considered foreign to this region,” Yusuf explained. “This season has been particularly tough due to the whitefly infestation, cutting our production in half. The lack of government support for pesticides and pest control has only worsened our situation.”

Previously, farmers in Hit could export surplus okra to other cities, fetching prices between 1,000 to 2,000 dinars per kilogram (approximately $0.77 to $1.55). However, this season’s sharp decline in production has caused prices to soar to between 4,000 and 5,000 dinars per kilogram (approximately $3.08 to $3.85).

Shawkat Ahmed, a local grocer, noted the impact on market prices. “The okra was hit hard by the whitefly infestation, and production is much lower compared to previous years. Prices in the market are now higher,” Ahmed said.

A spokesperson from the Agriculture Department in Hit acknowledged the challenges but noted that early identification and recommended treatments were provided. “We identified the infestation early and recommended the appropriate treatment,” said the official. “However, the recovery period for the okra plants was not sufficient to ensure a bountiful harvest.”

Okra planting in Hit begins in March, with the harvest season running from May through October. Despite the production challenges, the demand for okra remains high in the region, where it is a staple ingredient in many traditional Iraqi dishes. The crop continues to sell out quickly in markets, reflecting its enduring popularity among locals.