Water shortages remain pressing issue
Rice cultivation resumes in southern Dhi Qar amid ongoing water and electricity challenges
DHI QAR – Rice cultivation has resumed in Karma Bani Saeed, a town in southern Dhi Qar, after being previously halted by the government due to drought concerns. The cultivation of Amber Rice, a rare and fragrant variety unique to Iraq, is largely confined to rural areas in Najaf, Diwaniyah, parts of Maysan, and southern Dhi Qar.
Farmers in the region, however, continue to face significant challenges, including limited electricity supply. Many are forced to rely on submersible pumps, as direct river irrigation is unavailable—a practice they want equalized with their counterparts in Najaf.
Ali Abdul Redha, head of the Agriculture Department in Karma Bani Saeed, told 964media that water distribution among Dhi Qar areas, including Al-Chibayish, Al-Akikah, and Al-Tar, requires revision. He said the first Amber Rice harvest in years is expected this fall.
Amber Rice, planted in June and harvested in October, is renowned for its fragrance and often reserved for special occasions. The word “amber” in the Iraqi dialect refers to any sweet-smelling scent.
Abdul Redha explained that Amber Rice was planted this year as part of the summer plan, covering about 308 acres in Karma Bani Saeed. “Farmers are dealing with poor electricity supply—two hours of power cuts followed by four hours of availability. Often, the power cuts out while the pumps are running, preventing proper irrigation,” he said.
He noted that farmers previously relied on direct river irrigation. “Now, the distribution of electricity and water involves intermediaries, and our region lacks a critical line for agriculture, especially rice. While other crops like wheat can survive, rice cultivation cannot.”
Water shortages remain a pressing issue, with Karma Bani Saeed receiving less than its required share. “For example, the Amya region’s riverbed has dried multiple times. Annual dredging is carried out on the Hafar River to ensure water reaches distant areas like Al-Tar and Al-Chibayish, even though their agricultural activities are less intensive than Karma,” Abdul Redha added.
The rising cost of fertilizers and agricultural supplies is also a burden. “Fertilizers are available but no longer subsidized. Farmers can’t afford to pay 35,000 dinars ($23) per unit, especially with large areas to cover,” Abdul Redha said.
Nasir Hussein, head of the Agricultural Associations in the Um Nakhlah area, echoed these concerns, noting that farmers cannot plow or carry out costly laser adjustments. “The price of seeds for long Amber Rice is around 300,000 dinars ($200) per unit, with lower prices for shorter varieties. Some farmers are unable to cultivate due to these costs,” Hussein said.
He also highlighted water shortages, with two hours of cuts for every four hours of supply, which often proves insufficient for irrigation.
Farmer Diyaa Abdullah expressed similar concerns. “Our main challenge in cultivating Amber Rice is electricity, especially during the summer. We hope there won’t be any power outages so we can farm properly,” he said. Abdullah added that, with no direct irrigation available, farmers have increasingly had to rely on submersible pumps.
AFP
Muthanna farmers maintain amber rice cultivation amid water shortages
