Boosting yields

Farmers in Najaf adopt new rice farming techniques to combat water shortages

NAJAF — Faced with water shortages and the impact of climate change, farmers in the historic rice-growing region of Mishkhab in Najaf are turning to new solutions to preserve their livelihoods. A new technique called mechanical transplanting is revolutionizing rice farming in the area, boosting yields and reducing water consumption across 17 acres of land.

For years, Mishkhab’s rice fields have struggled under the weight of environmental challenges. However, this new method, introduced by the Mishkhab Agricultural Directorate, is showing promising results, offering local farmers a lifeline and helping them adapt to the changing climate.

“Mishkhab has always been a leader in rice production, but we faced severe challenges due to water shortages,” said Salam Al-Mahmoud, director of the Mishkhab Agricultural Division. “This prompted us to explore mechanical transplanting, which has not only reduced water usage but also increased production and improved the quality of our crops.”

Mechanical transplanting involves planting rice seedlings using machines, a process that saves significant amounts of water while ensuring seedlings are planted at the right time, avoiding weather-related damage. This shift marks a new era for the region, where traditional farming methods have long been the norm.

Raheem Al-Fatlawi, an agricultural expert involved in the project, highlighted the benefits of the new technique. “Mechanical transplanting saves about 35% of water compared to traditional methods, which require fields to be flooded for long periods. It also helps control weeds and ensures healthier, fuller seeds, improving yields from one to two tons per dunam,” he explained.

For farmers like Raheem Lafta, the advantages of mechanical farming are evident. “I used to rely on traditional farming, but now I prefer mechanical methods. It uses less water, reduces weeds, and gives me a better crop yield. Plus, it solves the problem of lodging, where rice stalks break during storms, ensuring stronger plants and higher profits,” Lafta said.

The success in Mishkhab has sparked plans to expand the project. Al-Mahmoud and his team are preparing to apply mechanical transplanting to 247 acres next season, with hopes of reaching other areas in Iraq where rice farming has been threatened by water shortages and climate stress.

The broader implications of this innovation are significant for Iraq, where agriculture remains a vital part of the economy. As the country grapples with the effects of climate change, the introduction of water-saving techniques like mechanical transplanting could be crucial in ensuring food security and sustainability for the future.