Winter okra farming expands in northern Basra with increased yields

BASRA — The northern Basra fields are witnessing an increase in the cultivation of winter okra, particularly in the Al-Huwair subdistrict in the Al-Madinah district. The number of okra farmers in the area has grown from 70 last year to 80 this year, while the cultivated land using tunnel and greenhouse techniques has expanded to over 17 acres, up from approximately 13.6 acres the previous year.

Farmers in Al-Huwair prefer the “Hussainawiya okra” variety for the winter season due to its high yield. Planting begins in November, with harvests starting in early February and continuing through June. Farmers rely on locally produced nylon covers from factories in Diyala and Kirkuk to build their greenhouses.

Sami Al-Salami, a farmer, told 964media,“In November each year, we start preparing the land and planting okra using tunnels and greenhouses. Preparation includes plowing the land, dividing it, installing iron frames for greenhouses or tunnels, and then covering them with plastic sheeting. We prefer locally produced nylon from Diyala or Kirkuk over imported materials due to its superior quality.

“Afterward, we begin planting the okra. For the winter season, we have increasingly favored the Hussainawiya variety because of its abundant production compared to other types. Planting begins in November, and the crop starts yielding in early February, with production lasting until June.”

Despite the availability of greenhouses, many Iraqi farmers continue to rely on low tunnel farming systems, which offer an affordable and efficient alternative for cultivating crops during the colder months. These structures, made of metal or PVC frames covered with plastic sheeting, create a controlled microclimate that protects plants from frost, temperature fluctuations, and pests. Low tunnels are particularly popular for crops like winter okra, tomatoes, and cucumbers, allowing farmers to extend the growing season and improve yields without the higher costs associated with large-scale greenhouse farming.

Aqeel Al-Hajjaj, Deputy Director of the Al-Huwair Agricultural Division, also spoke to 964 media that “The number of winter okra farmers has increased to more than 80, compared to about 70 last year, while the cultivated area has grown to over 70 dunams, up from around 55 dunams last year. Basra’s Agriculture Department has ensured the provision of urea fertilizer at preferential prices to support okra farmers.”

In Iraq, okra is cultivated in two main seasons to ensure year-round availability. The summer season begins with planting in spring, typically from March to May, with harvesting starting in early summer and continuing through August or September. This is the primary growing period, as okra thrives in warm temperatures. The winter season, on the other hand, begins in November and relies on protective cultivation methods such as plastic tunnels and greenhouses to shield crops from the cold. Harvesting starts in February and lasts until June, allowing farmers to extend the growing season and meet local demand for fresh okra throughout the year.