Jassan’s famed orchards endure amid water challenges, preserving Iraq’s date heritage

WASIT — In eastern Wasit governorate, Jassan’s orchards continue to thrive as a major source of premium date varieties, with seven main types, including Ashrasi, Maktoum, and the unique seed-grown “Dagal” dates. With over 4,000 Dagal palms producing around 40 kilograms each, these dates are the most abundant in the area, followed by 3,812 Ashrasi and 2,050 Zahdi palms across 279 orchards.

The town of Jassan, located approximately 70 kilometers east of Kut on the Iraq-Iran border, is celebrated for the quality of its dates. For decades, its orchards relied on seasonal floods from Iran and an irrigation project from the Dabuni area. However, with dwindling water supplies, farmers now resort to well-digging, only to face high sulfur content in groundwater.

“Jassan’s orchards are our heritage and the lifeline of our ancestors,” said Ghani Hamoud Sameer, a local orchard owner. “We used to depend on floodwaters from Iran, but as we’re the last stop on the Dabuni line, our water supply worsens each year.”

According to Ali Karim Naheer, head of Wasit’s plant production department, Jassan’s orchards produce seven main date varieties, with Dagal topping the list. “Dagal has 4,050 trees, each yielding 30-40 kilograms, followed by 3,812 Ashrasi and 2,050 Zahdi palms,” Naheer said.

Agricultural activist Ahmed Al-Hasnawi highlighted that around 10% of Jassan’s orchards have disappeared over three decades due to drought. He called for increased support to sustain Jassan’s date heritage amid climate and water issues.

Iraq’s palm tree population has rebounded to over 22 million, with recent government initiatives planting 6.4 million trees over the past 18 months to combat climate change and promote sustainable agriculture.