Duhok expects sesame production to reach about 600 tons this year

DUHOK — Duhok province is on track to produce approximately 600 tons of sesame this year, an increase attributed to an expansion in crop planting, according to Ahmad Jamil, the Director General of Agriculture in Duhok. He noted that sesame crops have been planted more widely this season, which is expected to boost the overall yield.

Sesame production is centered in the districts of Akre, Bardarash, and Amedi, with Amedi particularly renowned for its high-quality sesame, which is used in the production of local tahini, a popular Middle Eastern condiment made from ground sesame seeds. The demand for tahini remains strong in the local market.

Farmers have begun harvesting the sesame crop, drying the seeds on nylon sheets to prevent spoilage before sale. In Duhok markets, sesame is currently priced between 5,500 and 6,000 dinars ($3.60 to $4) per kilogram.

Jamil informed 964media that 3,328 dunams (822 acres) of sesame were planted this year, with an estimated yield of 599 tons. “This year saw an increase of over 600 dunams (148 acres) compared to last year’s planting,” he said.

Statistics from the Duhok Directorate of Agriculture show that in 2023, sesame production exceeded 400 tons, with this year’s output expected to surpass that.

Duhok is known for its diverse agriculture sector, producing a wide range of crops, including grapes, pomegranates, figs, tomatoes, and cucumbers. The Akre district alone boasts 250,000 fig trees spread across 3,706 acres. Rice cultivation has also expanded this year to cover 4,942 acres, with an expected yield of more than 20,000 tons.

The Nawkur Plain, a key potato-producing area, contributes 450,000 tons annually, accounting for roughly 70% of the potato output in the Kurdistan Region.

Despite its robust agriculture, Duhok faces challenges from seasonal disease and conflict. A local farmer told 964media, “Over 500 productive walnut and grape trees in our village were destroyed due to recent conflicts, alongside more than 100 rows of grape orchards and gardens.”

On July 4, Turkish artillery strikes ignited fires that ravaged approximately 125 acres of farmland and orchards in the Sargale area of Duhok, underscoring the ongoing threats to the region’s agricultural stability.

In July, plans were announced for the construction of a new facility in Duhok to collect and market local agricultural products. The facility will cover an area of 5,000 square meters and include a factory building, parking, and gardens.