Kurdistan Region’s largest private flour mill opens in Zakho

DUHOK — The Kurdistan Region’s largest privately-owned flour production mill is set to be inaugurated today in Zakho, located in Duhok Governorate. The facility, with a daily production capacity of 1,000 tons of flour, will serve both local and international markets.

Situated in the Batel district of the Zakho Independent Administration, the plant spans 518 acres and was built with a $200 million private investment. The first phase, covering 18 acres and costing $9 million, is already operational.

Cegerxwin Tahir, Director General of Zakho’s investment board, highlighted the project’s strategic importance, saying, “This is the first of its kind in the region and will contribute significantly to food security. The facility will also create 200 jobs.” The mill includes grain silos with a 30,000-ton wheat storage capacity, and future expansions aim to produce a range of flour-based products.

The inauguration coincides with Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s visit to Zakho to mark the third anniversary of the Zakho Independent Administration. Barzani will also unveil several development projects, including the second phase of the Zakho Corniche project and the restoration of Zakho Castle.

The Kurdistan Region’s wheat production in 2024 is projected to exceed two million tons, though government-owned silos have purchased only 700,000 tons from local farmers at higher-tham-market rates set by the Iraqi government. Farmers must sell the remaining yield to local flour mills at prices ranging from 350,000 to 400,000 dinars per ton ($267 to $306).

The region currently has 39 flour mills and grain silos, with three additional silos slated to open later this year, further enhancing Kurdistan’s food production and storage capacity.