Providing equipment

UN Food and Agriculture Organization supports rural dairy production in northern Basra

BASRA — The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization continues its efforts to support rural communities in Iraq by enhancing dairy production in northern Basra’s Huweir area. Among the beneficiaries is business owner Maryam Kazem, whose facility has been upgraded with new equipment to improve the quality and variety of dairy products she produces.

Kazem’s facility, now equipped with pasteurization, refrigeration, and milk quality-testing machines, processes 500 liters of milk daily. “Our products, made without preservatives, are sold in local markets across Basra and as far as Karbala,” Kazem told 964media. Her facility produces a range of dairy items, including Iraqi cream (Geymar), butter, and cheeses made from both buffalo and cow milk.

FAO representative Khadija Ashour announced plans to open two additional dairy production centers in northern Basra, bringing the total to four. These centers are part of FAO’s broader efforts to support rural women and enhance the quality of dairy products by transitioning from traditional methods to more advanced, professional practices. “The Food and Agriculture Organization, with funding from European Union countries, continues to support rural women in southern Iraq,” Ashour said.

Local agricultural director Ala Hussein highlighted the collaboration between FAO and local authorities to ensure the expansion of these projects, which aim to boost the rural economy. “We have provided the appropriate conditions for the organization to expand its projects, and we call on other organizations to support the local community in the district,” Hussein said.