Duhok gears up for Grape and Honey Festival amid strong grape harvest projections

DUHOK — Preparations are underway in Duhok for the annual Grape and Honey Festival, now set to begin on Sept. 10, earlier than its previous date of Sept. 20, according to local officials. Saadullah Doski, Director of Agricultural Guidance in Duhok, confirmed the date change.

Duhok’s agricultural sector cultivates over 120 grape varieties, and this year’s festival will showcase around 60 types, up from 50 last year. Notable varieties include black, yellow, Taifi, Kamali, Halwani, Zarki, Hijazi, Keshmeshi, Zaituni, and Krink.

“Visits have been made to exemplary and notable farmers to prepare them for the festival,” Doski told 964media, emphasizing the event’s focus on promoting local produce and expanding market opportunities.

Despite challenges, this year’s grape harvest in Duhok is expected to increase by 25% compared to last year. However, honey production is anticipated to be lower, Doski noted.

Official statistics show that the 15th Grape and Honey Festival in 2022 recorded 77,000 tons of grapes and nearly 150 tons of honey. The 16th festival in 2023 saw grape production at 60,000 tons and honey at 250 tons. This year, grape production is expected to reach approximately 80,000 tons, though honey production may fall short of last year’s levels.

Duhok is known for its diverse agricultural output, including fruits like grapes, apples, pomegranates, and figs. In Akre district alone, 250,000 fig trees cover 3,706 acres. The region also produces vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.

Sesame cultivation is significant, with around 824 acres farmed annually in Duhok. Last year, Amedi district produced over 120 tons of sesame. Additionally, more than 4,942 acres have been planted with rice this year, with an expected yield of over 20,000 tons, according to Ahmad Jameel, head of Duhok’s agriculture department.

Duhok’s Nawkur Plain is a major potato-producing area, generating 450,000 tons annually, accounting for 70% of the Kurdistan Region’s potato production.

However, recent challenges, including seasonal diseases and Turkish bombardment, have caused significant damage to the region’s agricultural lands. “Over 500 productive walnut and grape trees have been burned due to the conflict. More than 100 rows of villagers’ grape orchards and gardens in our village alone have been destroyed,” a local farmer told 964media.

On July 4, Turkish bombardment ignited fires that destroyed about 125 acres of farmland and orchards in Sargale, Duhok.