Amber rice harvest revived in Maysan but farmers face market challenges

MAYSAN — For the first time after four years of drought, Maysan province cultivated 24,710 acres of rice as part of the summer agricultural plan. However, a government decision to market only 20% of the crop to state-owned warehouses has left farmers grappling with lower local market prices.

State purchasing rates for amber rice range from 950,000 to 1,000,000 IQD ($632 to $665) per ton, but local market prices have dropped to 600,000-750,000 IQD ($399 to $499) per ton. While this year’s abundant harvest delighted rice lovers, farmers expressed frustration over unsold stock and inadequate pricing.

These state purchases directly from farmers is a form of subsidy intended to support local produce by buying in bulk at above local market rates.

Amber rice, traditionally planted in June and harvested in October, is known for its aromatic quality, often reserved for special events. In Iraqi dialect, “amber” signifies any sweet-smelling fragrance.

Alaa Adnan, a local farmer, told 964media, “The Ministry of Water Resources approved large-scale rice farming this year, but the issue lies in the marketing process. The Ministries of Trade and Water Resources limited the procurement to just 20% of the harvest, which forces farmers to sell at lower local market prices, harming their income.”

Saleh Ali, another farmer, shared the same concerns regarding marketing their products, especially the Ministry of Trade’s decision to market only 20% of the rice harvest, describing it as “a major problem.”

He continued, “The crop is plentiful, but market prices don’t cover farming costs. I still have large quantities of unsold rice, and half of my land remains unharvested because of this decision.”

Deputy Governor of Maysan Munther Al-Shawai explained to 964media, “The rice harvest will be marketed to the Public Company for Grain Trade according to the summer agricultural plan, which allocated 100,000 dunams [24,710 acres] for rice cultivation in Maysan.”

He added, “However, the likelihood of the entire crop being purchased [by the government] is slim due to the Ministry of Trade’s limited budget, which will only cover rice procurement at the specified rates.”