Halabja farmers turn to molasses production as pomegranates face risk of spoilage

HALABJA — Halabja’s markets are overflowing with pomegranates this season, but a drop in demand and inadequate cold storage facilities are putting thousands of tons of fruit at risk of spoilage.

Renowned for its high-quality pomegranates, Halabja recently hosted the 10th Annual Pomegranate and Autumn Festival, drawing nearly 300,000 visitors and generating approximately 1.435 billion Iraqi dinars ($950,000) in sales, marking the festival’s most successful year to date.

Despite the event’s success, local farmers face mounting challenges. Nariman Anwar, a vendor at Halabja’s wholesale market, told 964media, “Due to the lack of necessary refrigeration and the absence of pomegranate exports as in previous years, prices have significantly dropped. In past years, high-quality pomegranates were exported, and the remaining supply met local demand. However, this year is unprecedented; the market is full of pomegranates, but customer turnout is very low, and the fruit is at risk of spoiling.”

To mitigate losses, many farmers are turning to syrup and molasses production. Anwar explained, “Prices have decreased compared to previous years. The best varieties are selling for 1,250 dinars per kilogram (approximately $0.83), while standard pomegranates start at 200 dinars ($0.13).”

Najmaddin Omar, head of Halabja’s Agriculture Department, confirmed the lack of exports this year, citing adverse weather conditions as a key factor. “Early rainfall and cold weather caused all pomegranates to ripen at the same time, leading many to crack and split on the trees. Farmers have no choice but to sell their produce locally,” he told 964media.

Halabja’s wholesale market receives approximately 40 tons of pomegranates daily. However, the absence of buyers and cold storage facilities forces farmers to process the fruit into syrup or molasses. Omar noted, “There are no factories to bottle pomegranate molasses or brand it, so farmers are compelled to produce molasses or store the syrup at home.”

This year’s challenges underscore the urgent need for investment in cold storage infrastructure and the revival of export opportunities to support Halabja’s pomegranate farmers and bolster the local economy.

Data from the Halabja General Directorate of Agriculture reveals that around 2,600 acres of land are currently devoted to pomegranate orchards, underscoring the fruit’s significance to the region.