Choman apple farmers struggle to sell harvest as imports flood markets

CHOMAN — Apple farmers in Choman District’s Wlash village are struggling to sell their produce despite offering it at rock-bottom prices of just 200 Iraqi dinars ($0.13) per kilogram. The high-quality yellow and red apples, known for their sweetness, remain largely unsold.

The village, located in Balakayati, is home to more than 20 apple orchards. Farmers attribute their challenges to an oversupply caused by imported Iranian apples, which dominate local markets. They are urging the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Agriculture to ban apple imports during the harvest season to protect domestic farmers.

“At the end of the harvest season, I have over two and a half tons of apples from my orchard, but I don’t know how to sell them,” said Ayyub Karim, a farmer in Wlash with over 100 apple trees. “I’ve sold only a small portion, and at 200 dinars per kilogram, it doesn’t cover my costs.”

Kamaran Mamand, director of agriculture for Soran, acknowledged the issue. “We are aware of the oversupply of apples in our area and have informed the Ministry of Agriculture through official correspondence,” Mamand told 964media.

He noted that while apple imports have not been entirely banned, the government has imposed additional tariffs on imported apples entering the Kurdistan Region.

Statistics from Choman agriculture officials show that the area produces over 1,600 tons of apples annually from 321 acres of orchard land. However, falling prices and stiff competition from imported apples are putting increasing financial strain on local farmers.