Amid ongoing Turkish bombardment

Farmers in Batifa dry grape harvest despite challenges of conflict

2024-08-29 | 17:51

DUHOK — Farmers in the village of Batifa have begun drying the grape varieties they’ve harvested so far, converting them into raisins. However, not all grape varieties in the Barwari Bala area, where Batifa is located, have ripened yet.

The ongoing conflict between Turkey and the PKK, particularly the Turkish bombardments in the area, has severely impacted the villagers. According to Duhok’s civil defense statistics, 1,465 fire incidents have occurred this year, affecting nearly 35 villages in the Amedi and Barwari Bala regions. On July 4, Turkish airstrikes ignited fires that destroyed about 125 acres of farmland and orchards in Sargale, Duhok.

Despite these challenges, Izzat Abdulghafour, a farmer in Batifa, remains committed to maintaining his family’s agricultural lands. Along with his neighbors, Abdulghafour cultivates grapes, orchards, and livestock—essential sources of livelihood for the community.

Batifa is known for producing several varieties of grapes, including Zerk, Tahlek, Rash Mew, Bargund, Bessiran, and Taifi. While these varieties are harvested annually, only the Zerk grapes are currently ripe. Farmers have begun drying these grapes in the sun for seven days to produce raisins, and some also plan to make Doshaw, a traditional Kurdish grape syrup made by boiling freshly extracted grape juice until it thickens.

“Even with a good grape harvest this year, the Turkish bombardments have forced us to harvest quickly to prevent our crops from being destroyed. The village community often comes together to help with the process,” Abdulghafour told 964media.

To preserve their grape harvest, farmers are selling their produce in the markets of Duhok and Zakho. Abdulghafour plans to produce four tons of raisins this year, which he will use for personal consumption, charity, and sale.

Duhok is a significant agricultural hub in the Kurdistan Region, known for its diverse production of fruits like grapes, apples, pomegranates, and figs.

Preparations are underway in Duhok for the annual Grape and Honey Festival, which will now begin on Sept. 10, earlier than the originally planned date of Sept. 20. This year’s festival will showcase around 60 of the 120 grape varieties cultivated in the region, up from 50 types displayed last year.

In 2022, the 15th Grape and Honey Festival recorded 77,000 tons of grapes and nearly 150 tons of honey. Last year, grape production reached 60,000 tons, with honey production at 250 tons. This year, grape production is expected to rise to approximately 80,000 tons, although honey production may not meet last year’s levels.