Basra witnesses increase in palm tree cultivation

BASRA — The Directorate of Agriculture in Basra has announced a notable increase in the number of palm trees in the province, now exceeding 2.63 million, crediting governmental support for encouraging farmers to cultivate more land.

“There has been a significant increase in the number of palm trees in Basra this year compared to last year,” said Jassem Mohammed Dhammad, head of the Palm Section at the Directorate of Agriculture. “The total has risen to 2,631,268 palm trees, covering an area of more than 41,760 acres. This marks an increase from 2.4 million palm trees recorded last year.”.

The increase of 231,000 palm trees spans various types of dates, with prominent varieties including Barhi, Sayer, Bream, and Khadrawi, among others. Dhammad highlighted the role of government initiatives and technical expertise in driving this growth. “Efforts by specialized teams from the Basra Agriculture Directorate, in collaboration with farmers, were pivotal in rehabilitating and preparing orchards, particularly in areas like Shatt Al-Arab, Al-Faw, Abu Al-Khasib, and Al-Zubair.”

Government agricultural loans, pest control campaigns, distribution of pesticides, and deployment of hormonal traps were instrumental in achieving this growth, Dhammad explained. He emphasized, “These measures provided a strong foundation for farmers to expand their plantations and boost palm cultivation in the region.”

Basra’s agricultural sector has long been a cornerstone of Iraq’s date production, and the recent increase signals a revival in one of the country’s traditional industries. The Directorate of Agriculture reaffirmed its commitment to supporting farmers and enhancing the sustainability of palm cultivation as a key driver of economic and agricultural growth in the province.

Iraq, historically renowned as the “country of 30 million palm trees,” has seen its date palm cultivation face significant challenges over the past few decades. Once a leading exporter of dates, with the fruit being the nation’s second-largest export after oil, Iraq’s date palm groves have suffered due to prolonged conflicts and environmental issues. The Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) devastated vast plantations, especially around Basra, turning fertile lands into what some describe as a “palm tree desert.”

In recent years, efforts have been made to rejuvenate this vital sector. Government initiatives and local projects aim to restore date palm cultivation to its former prominence. For instance, the Fadak plantation near Karbala, established in 2016, spans 500 hectares and houses over 90 varieties of date palms from Iraq and other Arab regions. Such endeavors reflect a broader commitment to preserving Iraq’s rich agricultural heritage and revitalizing its date production industry.

Despite these efforts, challenges persist. Climate change, drought, and water salinity continue to threaten date palm cultivation. Farmers are grappling with these environmental hurdles, striving to protect and sustain this national symbol. Nonetheless, the resilience of Iraq’s agricultural community offers hope for the future of its date palms.