Seeking government support

Anbar farmers showcase diverse date varieties in annual exhibition

2024-08-26 | 10:25

ANBAR — Farmers from Kubeisa, a subdistrict in Hit, Anbar Governorate, highlighted their wide array of date varieties at an annual exhibition held at a local school on Sunday. Known for its fertile lands, Kubeisa produces some of Iraq’s finest and most exclusive date varieties.

The exhibition, aimed at promoting commercial opportunities and exploring export potential, featured 80 different types of dates from the region’s orchards, including well-known varieties such as Awina Ayoub, Al-Ibrahimi, Khalas, Shukar (or Shuwathi), Maktoomi, Khadrawi, Barhi, Khiyara, Zahidi, Khastawi, Majhool, Joozi, Ajwa, and Manzhar.

Local officials, agricultural engineers, and government employees attended the event, which served as a platform to introduce all the date varieties grown in the governorate, especially the lesser-known types.

Khalid Obeid, head of Kubeisa’s Agricultural Unit, emphasized the exhibition’s role in demonstrating the need for more governmental support. “Kubeisa is rich in unique and rare varieties of Iraqi dates, as clearly demonstrated in today’s exhibition, where more than 80 types were displayed,” Obeid stated. He called for enhanced government assistance in providing modern irrigation systems, fertilizers, pesticides, and other vital agricultural tools to support and develop the agricultural sector.

Yasser Rashid, the Deputy Governor of Anbar, who attended the event along with several provincial council members, described Kubeisa’s dates as a “national wealth” for both Anbar and Iraq. He recognized the importance of understanding and addressing the farmers’ needs to boost this sector.

Farmers at the event also advocated for the establishment of a specialized agricultural division in Kubeisa, arguing that the current unit is insufficient for their growing demands. With appropriate support, they believe Kubeisa’s date varieties could become a significant export product for Iraq.

Iraq’s overall palm tree count has recently increased, with more than 22 million palm trees now reported, marking a rise of 5 million over the past three years. With over 650 varieties of dates, Iraq continues to experience strong export demand, especially for the Zahidi variety, noted for its affordability.